Category Archive: ART

Julie Mehretu: The Mind Behind the Art

In today’s society, the term “woke” is often regarded as a term of endearment to individuals that are extremely honest and vocal about the world’s atrocities that occur as they happen. It isn't often that we mention actual artists of that same caliber. One of the hidden trail-blazers that utilizes the term artistically is Ethiopian-American artist, Julie Mehretu. Mehretu is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She migrated with her parents to Michigan in 1977.

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Dawoud Bey: History Reimagined

Longevity in any industry starts with talent, it’s achieved through hard work and the willingness to progress with that talent. As comedian Aries Spears said, “To sustain longevity, you have to evolve.” Dawoud Bey has been a fixture in the world of photography since he got his first camera at age 15. The 67-year-old photographer is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his time. The reason he’s been able to have such a great impact is his ability to evolve within his craft. While growth is a very important concept for him to be successful, so is staying grounded and having his work mean something. 

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Bill Cunningham: Capturing Class

A typical member of the paparazzi can often be seen chasing down celebrities at literally any cost, taking high risks to capture a person at their best, or in many instances even at their worst.  Bill Cunningham, however, is a different breed of a photographer.  While he is known for his unexpected frames of celebrities and New York’s elite, the eighty-three-year-old fashion and street photographer has continuously earned the distinct respect of those he photographs. 

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Michael Murphy: The Perceptual Shift to Save Humanity

When I think of  Jordans or J’s, almost immediately a picture of the classic Air Jordan 1’s pops up in my head, and also the thought of how I can get my hands on a pair of them. Most people can agree that a nice pair of fresh Jordans; with no creases can definitely uplift anyone's mood. When the words ‘art’ and ‘jordans’ show up in the same sentence, it now becomes a little harder to entertain the thought. Brooklyn-based artist Michael Murphy has figured out how to perfectly blend the two together in a way that emphasizes the viewer's perspective; depending on where they are standing in the room.

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Yoshitomo Nara: Life is Only One

One of the most enduring philosophical conversations is Hobbes’ and Rousseau's debate of whether a man is inherently good or inherently evil. This debate can be found – in its purest form – in children. They can be cute, naïve, and innocent, but often equally destructive and cruel. This duality of both good and bad is what defines most of our childhoods, and that duality can be found in the mischievous, yet cherubic children illustrated by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara.

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