Category Archives: Art(s)
Toni Takes Flight: In Memoriam
We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. that may be the measure of our lives. “IF YOU SURRENDERED TO THE WIND, YOU COULD RIDE IT” Toni Morrison set loose in me a fire of
Toni Takes Flight: In Memoriam
We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. that may be the measure of our lives. “IF YOU SURRENDERED TO THE WIND, YOU COULD RIDE IT” Toni Morrison set loose in me a fire of
A Little (still) Life and A Lot of Gifts
A last minute guide of gifts from the high-(and low) lights of my year. The Ecstatic Flash is back!
A Little (still) Life and A Lot of Gifts
A last minute guide of gifts from the high-(and low) lights of my year. The Ecstatic Flash is back!
On Edward Enninful’s Appointment as Editor in Chief of British Vogue and What It Means To Me As A Ghanaian
On any day, the announcement of the first black, male editor-in-chief of a Vogue iteration from the quadrumvirate of global fashion capitals is a monumental deal. On the morning of April 10, 2017, the revelation that Ghana-born Edward Enninful is to be the new editor in chief of British Vogue was validation of the personal sort…While his appointment is welcome news to believers in diversity anywhere, Ghanaians everywhere were claiming a win over our friendly rivals in all things (especially Jollof), Nigeria.
On Edward Enninful’s Appointment as Editor in Chief of British Vogue and What It Means To Me As A Ghanaian
On any day, the announcement of the first black, male editor-in-chief of a Vogue iteration from the quadrumvirate of global fashion capitals is a monumental deal. On the morning of April 10, 2017, the revelation that Ghana-born Edward Enninful is to be the new editor in chief of British Vogue was validation of the personal sort…While his appointment is welcome news to believers in diversity anywhere, Ghanaians everywhere were claiming a win over our friendly rivals in all things (especially Jollof), Nigeria.
Fukinsei: Behind Wabi-Sabi
A few weeks ago, I shared some thoughts on the Japanese aesthetic concept of Wabi-Sabi and how re-calibrating my perspective to practice Wabi-Sabi an ideal for living has not only brought more beauty into my life, but been essential to my survival. Now, producer Josh Gwynn and I share with you behind the scenes action from that shoot. The short film, Fukinsei, is a non-linear irregularity; an experiment in story telling both visual and narrative.What better way to share the tenets of an aesthetic concept that aspires to asymmetry and imperfection than by making a piece that is itself, well, quite Wabi-Sabi.
Fukinsei: Behind Wabi-Sabi
A few weeks ago, I shared some thoughts on the Japanese aesthetic concept of Wabi-Sabi and how re-calibrating my perspective to practice Wabi-Sabi an ideal for living has not only brought more beauty into my life, but been essential to my survival. Now, producer Josh Gwynn and I share with you behind the scenes action from that shoot. The short film, Fukinsei, is a non-linear irregularity; an experiment in story telling both visual and narrative.What better way to share the tenets of an aesthetic concept that aspires to asymmetry and imperfection than by making a piece that is itself, well, quite Wabi-Sabi.
Scattered Light: The Delpozo SS17 Collection
The Spanish label’s SS17 delectation did not veer off its fabled path of constructing a dream of whimsical yet architectural glory. I was struck by the sublime paradox of Font’s oeuvre. These are clothes that are at once sculptural and serous, detailed and restrained: the defile was a parade of maximalism executed with a minimalist’s flare.
Scattered Light: The Delpozo SS17 Collection
The Spanish label’s SS17 delectation did not veer off its fabled path of constructing a dream of whimsical yet architectural glory. I was struck by the sublime paradox of Font’s oeuvre. These are clothes that are at once sculptural and serous, detailed and restrained: the defile was a parade of maximalism executed with a minimalist’s flare.
Life Art Thirty
“Step onto the lustrous black and pearlescent white marble of Mandarin Oriental’s lobby, and instead of a flurry of guests waiting to check-in, a painting will seize your attention. Its hues of fuscia and lapis are set in staccato brushstrokes against
Life Art Thirty
“Step onto the lustrous black and pearlescent white marble of Mandarin Oriental’s lobby, and instead of a flurry of guests waiting to check-in, a painting will seize your attention. Its hues of fuscia and lapis are set in staccato brushstrokes against
On Doing and Everythingness
Did Shakespeare invent “The Grind?” New to New York (as a resident), a friend and I did the very New York thing of attending a Free Shakespeare In The Park performance two weeks ago. The play running is Troilus and Cressida. Yes, one of the so called “problem plays” is not deemed as such without reason, given its rather dodgy pacing. As we are each fecund to seed we need, between extended blinks during the performance, the theme that struck me was in this play of slow action, ironically, that of the folly of inaction. The Greeks and the Trojans are at war. It’s that damn Helen’s fault. Achilles (his renowned heel and all), the great Greek warrior, refuses to fight and would rather shack up in pederasty or whatever with Patroclus. He’s great, he doesn’t need to do anything. But what is a warrior who is not warring? (Or as Lumiere sang in Beauty and The Beast: “life’s so unnerving for a servant who is not serving”). What is a warrior in waiting? There is no doubt this lightly explored concept struck me because of my own recent literary inaction. Who is a writer who is not writing?
On Doing and Everythingness
Did Shakespeare invent “The Grind?” New to New York (as a resident), a friend and I did the very New York thing of attending a Free Shakespeare In The Park performance two weeks ago. The play running is Troilus and Cressida. Yes, one of the so called “problem plays” is not deemed as such without reason, given its rather dodgy pacing. As we are each fecund to seed we need, between extended blinks during the performance, the theme that struck me was in this play of slow action, ironically, that of the folly of inaction. The Greeks and the Trojans are at war. It’s that damn Helen’s fault. Achilles (his renowned heel and all), the great Greek warrior, refuses to fight and would rather shack up in pederasty or whatever with Patroclus. He’s great, he doesn’t need to do anything. But what is a warrior who is not warring? (Or as Lumiere sang in Beauty and The Beast: “life’s so unnerving for a servant who is not serving”). What is a warrior in waiting? There is no doubt this lightly explored concept struck me because of my own recent literary inaction. Who is a writer who is not writing?
The Way Of Grace: In Conversation With Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney
Ecstatic Exchange is series on The Ecstatic Flash that chronicles my dialogues with people that inhabit creative spaces. The goal is to engage “successfully”artistic people and in so-doing inspire us all to lead more creative lives. In this edition, award-winning playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, talks to me about his life in the arts and the force of Grace, which also happens to be the name of both his grandmothers.
The Way Of Grace: In Conversation With Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney
Ecstatic Exchange is series on The Ecstatic Flash that chronicles my dialogues with people that inhabit creative spaces. The goal is to engage “successfully”artistic people and in so-doing inspire us all to lead more creative lives. In this edition, award-winning playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, talks to me about his life in the arts and the force of Grace, which also happens to be the name of both his grandmothers.
Red Carpet Fashion Flash: 2016 Academy Awards
While Oscar season is one I annually await with bated breath for reasons both cinematic and sartorial, I cannot say I was particularly falling out of my seat with excitement in anticipation of last night’s Academy Awards ceremony. I found
Red Carpet Fashion Flash: 2016 Academy Awards
While Oscar season is one I annually await with bated breath for reasons both cinematic and sartorial, I cannot say I was particularly falling out of my seat with excitement in anticipation of last night’s Academy Awards ceremony. I found
The Fire And The Rose (or Let Nothing You Dismay)
The only savior from the burn of a half-baked existence is the sort of fire that shifts our shape and molds our mettle. Whenever the year comes to its Gregorian end, we exchange grand overtures, symphonically declaring what a good year the one ahead will be for us all. What we rarely mention is that shit is bound cloud the rivers of joy despite our most valiant efforts. What we hardly discuss is the notion that triumph and defeat are one and the same.
The Fire And The Rose (or Let Nothing You Dismay)
The only savior from the burn of a half-baked existence is the sort of fire that shifts our shape and molds our mettle. Whenever the year comes to its Gregorian end, we exchange grand overtures, symphonically declaring what a good year the one ahead will be for us all. What we rarely mention is that shit is bound cloud the rivers of joy despite our most valiant efforts. What we hardly discuss is the notion that triumph and defeat are one and the same.
The Ecstatic Flash 