Taylor McManus, a Black-centric Body-Positive Artist Championing the Redefinition of Beauty Standards

Taylor McManus is a body-positive illustrator in a world where many are ostracized based solely on their physical appearance, McManus is a force of good, bringing to the forefront full-bodied, naturally curvaceous, and unashamedly, beautiful Black women in each oeuvre. Continue reading Taylor McManus, a Black-centric Body-Positive Artist Championing the Redefinition of Beauty Standards

Mama Kea’s Handwoven Footwear Will Pull on Your Heartstrings

Mama Kea is a Johannesburg, South Africa-based footwear company that is quite the contrast to the fast fashion brands of today in its approach, each pair of woven shoes are made by hand and equipped with a comfortable sneaker sole. They’re made in conjunction with elders and millennials working symbiotically, and some pairs don African pride colors that mirror both nature and the flags of sovereign nations. Each shoe is more unique than a haute couture brand and is way more sustainable than any sneaker made in a factory. You can even get your own pair with your own color selection and pattern! Continue reading Mama Kea’s Handwoven Footwear Will Pull on Your Heartstrings

Q&A with Professor of Photography and Kamoinge Inc. Member, Gerald Cyrus

Gerald Cyrus: Jazz has historically played a major role in the culture of Harlem. Some of the most famous jazz clubs (such as Minton’s Playhouse) were based there, and countless musicians have been residents. When I moved there in the early 1990’s, there were several neighborhood bars and lounges where live music was featured nightly with no cover charge. Almost all of those places are gone now, replaced by condos and upscale restaurants and bars. I moved out of Harlem in 1997 and live in Philadelphia now, but I’m always amazed at the changes that have taken place since then. Continue reading Q&A with Professor of Photography and Kamoinge Inc. Member, Gerald Cyrus

The Creative Power and Afrofuturism of Katia Herrera

Despite Herrera being a self-proclaimed introvert, her artwork is remarkably loud in a world trying to quiet black voices. With titles like Black Woman, You Own the Moon, Earth Goddess, Forever, and Universe Protector, Herrera’s legacy will be marked by her passion for highlighting the endurance and perseverance of black folks of old and present to contrast the narrative that black skin should only be associated with slavery. Continue reading The Creative Power and Afrofuturism of Katia Herrera

All Access into Dorota Liwacz’s Intergalactic Art

Although her pieces are quite together, they highlight the torn nature that we all have within, struggling with emotionality, connection, spirituality, and even the existence (or lack-there-of) of aliens. Featuring women independent of objectification, the viewer is presented with feminism and female empowerment in each work. Continue reading All Access into Dorota Liwacz’s Intergalactic Art