Month: May 2020

Maya Hayuk: Play to Work

Vibrant colors and geometric shapes are splashed onto a wall. Some pieces are pleasingly symmetrical while others are optical illusions. Precisely placed lines and colors combine to make an image pop. To Maya Hayuk, art means that it's time to play. It's a chance for her to play with colors and shapes that an audience will interact with at a later time.

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Summer Fashion 2020: Everything Old is New Again

Summer is just around the corner, and as the days grow longer and hotter, people are breaking out their new looks, and not just a Hazmat suit. Retro looks, from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, are all very popular this year, especially in women’s fashion. When it comes to menswear, it’s hard to pinpoint a direct inspiration, but pop culture figures, like Harry Styles, Jeff Goldblum, and A$AP Rocky have definitely had an influence. 

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Verzuz: The Thunderdome of Hip-Hop

With the COVID pandemic keeping us static, have you been listening to your old favorite music? Or trying to find something new? If so, superproducers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have got you covered. In late March, the duo created the Verzuz series, an Instagram LIVE battle of hits between two established artists (or groups) meant to remind and educate people about some of the greatest hip-hop and R&B artists and, in the short time since its inception, Verzuz has drawn hundreds of thousands of fans. 

You are unauthorized to view this page.

The Wayans’ Laughing Empire

The 10-member Wayans family have show business in their blood. While many aspiring actors and comedians find it difficult to break into the industry, the Wayans have made a family empire from their talent.

This family has come a long way since their days living in the Robert Fulton Houses projects in Manhattan, New York. It was never easy for parents Howell and Elvira Wayans to raise such a large family on a small income. Instead of pushing their dreams to the side for more “practical” pursuits, the Wayans children turned the bittersweet memories of their childhood into comedic gold. Now, the Wayans family has a combined domestic box office growth of over $1 billion.

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Alonzo Jackson: The South Side Hero

He is not your typical fashion designer, he built an empire based on just four little letters, and the visionary created a brand that means something to the community around him. Alonzo Jackson brings a new spin to the typical urban design. You just might be wearing his designs right now, and not even know it. Jackson also known as “Fashion Geek Zo” is the mastermind behind the fashion brand, Fashion Geek, this collection specializes in unique designs that center around individuality.

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Alfred Conteh: Deeply Rooted

Last month I was scheduled to attend an Art Show and hopefully get an interview or just a few moments to chop it up with artist and sculptor Alfred Conteh here in Chicago. I’m sure by now you’ve seen that our mayor is not having any of it, and unfortunately the show was canceled. So although I was unable to attend, and Conteh was unable to give us a show in person, he did give the public a view of his workspace. On May 7th, Conteh was live on Instagram for Virtual Visits with Art Noir. There he showcased some of his paintings while fielding questions as the viewers posted them. 

You are unauthorized to view this page.