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Chase Hall, a rising artist, creates large-scale works using coffee to explore mixed-race identity in America. His journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a prominent painter is marked by personal growth and artistic success. Hall's upcoming solo show at the David Kordansky Gallery in Los Angeles signifies a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his unique perspective on hybridity and identity through his art. His work has garnered attention from collectors and institutions, solidifying his position in the contemporary art world. [Extracted from the article]

Danzy Senna's novel, "Colored Television," follows the story of Jane, a biracial writer-professor who is struggling to write a biracial comedy that defies stereotypes. Jane's personal life is chaotic, with a neurodivergent son, a daughter facing difficulties at school, and a distant husband. The novel explores the challenges of creating a "Great American Biracial Novel" and questions the need for a definitive biracial identity in a society that is increasingly diverse and complex. Senna's satire critiques identity politics, Hollywood's racial profiteering, the American literary canon, academia, and progressive public. Ultimately, the novel suggests that finding a tidy new biracial identity is a futile exercise, but it ends on a hopeful note for Jane and her family. [Extracted from the article]

"The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism" is an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that explores the cultural impact of the Harlem Renaissance beyond Harlem itself. The exhibition showcases the work of Black American artists who were influenced by European modernists and highlights the contributions of Black artists to world culture. The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, film clips, and objects from artists of the African diaspora. The article discusses the significance of portraiture in the context of the Harlem Renaissance and the representation of Black individuals in art. It highlights the diversity of portraits on display, ranging from large and sophisticated works to small and blunt ones. The article also explores how portraiture served as a means of correction to the canon and offered proof of the varied beauty and character of Black individuals. Additionally, it touches on the importance of physical appearance in Black life and the complexities of color and identity. The article concludes by emphasizing the significance of the exhibition in showcasing the achievements of Black artists during the Harlem Renaissance. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Up Close" by Dennis McFarland is a fictional story that follows the life of Jacob Carson, a teacher who attends a musical written by Carla Abdala-Diggs, the daughter of a famous painter named Mason Diggs. Jacob reflects on his own artistic career and contemplates reaching out to Diggs. Later, Jacob's wife inherits a painting by Diggs, which surprises him. The story explores themes of inspiration, artistic success, and personal identity. In a conversation between Jacob and Mason, they discuss their relationship and Mason's recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. Jacob expresses regret for not being more supportive of Mason's success as an artist, and Mason asks Jacob to paint his portrait. The story also includes reflections from Jacob's wife, Linda, who offers support to Jacob. [Extracted from the article]

This article features a collective photo essay that explores the process of artistic development and the challenges and supports that artists encounter. The essay includes reflections from five early- to mid-career artists, highlighting common themes such as space, experimentation, and community, while also showcasing their unique experiences. The artists discussed include Ankita Alemona, Rachana Joshi, Abbey Richens, Chenise Mitchell, and Brigita Gedgaudas. Each artist shares their personal journey and the factors that have nurtured their artistic growth, ranging from rest and study to community and cultural heritage. [Extracted from the article]

Alicia Keys and Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, a power couple in the music industry, have been influential collectors of black art for many years. They have recently curated a major exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum called "Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys," showcasing nearly 100 artworks from their personal collection. The couple has built strong relationships with the artists they collect, allowing them access to works that would otherwise be reserved for top collectors. Their collection focuses on black artists, particularly black figurative artists, and has played a role in correcting the art market's historical neglect of these artists. [Extracted from the article]

Lauren Halsey, a 36-year-old artist from South Central Los Angeles, has gained global recognition for her local-focused approach to art. Her studio is a vibrant space filled with her imaginative creations, reflecting the texture and intimate thrills of life in South Central LA. Halsey's art draws inspiration from her neighborhood, incorporating specific details and memories to create a unique and colorful urban fantasy. While her work has gained international acclaim, Halsey remains committed to her local community and aims to preserve the integrity of her art. [Extracted from the article]

Eriq La Salle, known for his acting career in shows like ER, has also become a successful author of thriller novels. La Salle faced challenges in both Hollywood and the publishing industry, as a Black man trying to break into predominantly White spaces. Despite these obstacles, La Salle's books have received acclaim, and he believes that his unique perspective as a Black author adds value to his storytelling. He hopes to be recognized as an artist who happens to be Black, rather than solely as an African American author. [Extracted from the article]

FLO, a UK R&B trio, is preparing to release their debut album, Access All Areas, which is expected to have a significant impact on the UK R&B scene and establish them as a global force. The group, made up of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer, gained attention with their viral hit single "Cardboard Box" in 2022. FLO has redefined the concept of a modern girl group with their unique vocals and a sound that combines nostalgia with forward-thinking elements. Their music is empowering and relatable, focusing on themes of personal worth and agency. Despite facing challenges, FLO has taken control of their career and restructured their team to align with their vision. Access All Areas, produced by MNEK, showcases their growth and potential, blending old-school sensibilities with contemporary R&B. The album includes the standout track "Just A Girl," which addresses the marginalization of Black female artists in the UK music industry. FLO hopes that the album will demonstrate their capabilities, highlight the future of R&B music, and emphasize their attention to detail. The group discusses their journey in the music industry, the challenges they have faced as a group and as Black women, and the importance of representation and support for R&B artists. They also express their excitement for their upcoming debut album and their determination to surround themselves with a supportive team. Additionally, FLO talks about their growing popularity in the United States and their aspirations to [Extracted from the article]

Shaboozey, a 29-year-old artist, has made history as the first Black outlaw country star. His achievements include being featured on Beyoncé's album, going on a headlining tour, and having his song "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" top the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks. Shaboozey's Nigerian-American background and love for country music have influenced his journey to success. He aims to create a unique soundtrack that celebrates the multicultural history of cowboy culture. Despite facing resistance in Nashville, Shaboozey remains determined to make music that represents underrepresented groups and hopes to bring recognition to those who are often overlooked. [Extracted from the article]

British singer/songwriter Michael Kiwanuka is preparing to release his fourth album, Small Changes, in November. In an interview, Kiwanuka reflects on his journey as a musician, emphasizing the significance of doubt and vulnerability in his creative process. He discusses the pressure to constantly prove himself and his desire to create something larger than himself. Small Changes is described as a more intimate and self-accepting record, focusing on personal growth and commitment. Kiwanuka also discusses the challenges faced by artists in the music industry, including the high costs of touring and the difficulty of breaking through in a fragmented market. He highlights the importance of mental health and representation for artists, particularly artists of color, and expresses concerns about the potential impact of AI on individuality and creativity in music. Despite these challenges, Kiwanuka remains dedicated to his art and determined to pursue his goals. [Extracted from the article]

The Black Music Coalition (BMC) has announced its 2024 Excellence Honourees, recognizing Black music professionals who have excelled in the industry. The honourees include Brenda Juliet, Joel Borquaye, Jusnah Gadi, Tia Lewis, Rami Kadri, and others. The BMC aims to address anti-Black systemic racism in the industry and uplift and celebrate members of the Black music community. The honourees have been recognized for their professionalism and contributions to the industry, and they hope to inspire and encourage more diversity and inclusion in the music industry. The article features interviews with three individuals in the music industry who discuss their experiences and perspectives. Brenda Juliet, co-founder and publicist of MyBlaqBook, emphasizes the importance of supporting talent and amplifying awareness of artists. Joel Borquaye, founder and MD of Young Music Boss, highlights the need for recognition of those working behind the scenes in music. Jusnah Gadi, founder and MD of Young Music Boss and YMB Awards, discusses the lack of recognition for industry professionals and the need for real and lasting structural change in the music industry. [Extracted from the article]

Malene Djenaba Barnett is an American artist and activist who is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Afro-Caribbean women potters and telling the stories of silenced ancestors. She creates dynamic designs that celebrate the artistic and cultural traditions of the Black diaspora, incorporating motifs from traditional African fabrics, pottery, and ceremonial dress. Malene recently completed a research trip to Jamaica, where she studied African-Jamaican ceramic traditions and focused on the traditional Yabba pot made by enslaved women for survival. In addition to her artistic work, Malene founded the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG), a non-profit organization that supports and promotes Black designers. She is fearless in calling out the lack of diversity in the design industry and believes that there is still work to be done to improve opportunities for designers of color. [Extracted from the article]

This article showcases a selection of noteworthy titles in the fields of art, architecture, and photography. It covers a wide range of subjects, including the documentation of pop culture advancements and the exploration of prominent figures such as Albrecht Dürer. The featured titles encompass diverse topics, such as the photography of Baltimore's Black communities, the misunderstood portrayal of Muslim figures in Dürer's art, and the interest of Black artists in ancient Egyptian iconography. One of the highlighted books, "Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies," edited by Dalila Scruggs, delves into the art of Elizabeth Catlett, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance. Catlett's life in Mexico and her exclusion from the United States due to suspicions of communism are explored in this book, which provides a survey of her work and examines the implications of her art. [Extracted from the article]

Though Rucker, 57, has scaled the charts - both with his rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, which reunited for an album and tour in 2019, and as a solo country star - he's never left his humble roots in the rearview. Rucker still lives in South Carolina, where he raised his three children, daughter Daniela, 22, and son Jack, 18 (whom he shares with his ex Beth, 56), and daughter Carolyn, 28, from a previous relationship. THE BELOVED ROCKER TURNED COUNTRY STAR REFLECTS ON FAME, FAMILY & FORGING HIS OWN PATH HIS ROCKIN' CAREER He's won three Grammys and sold millions of records, but when Darius Rucker was growing up in Charleston, S.C., he wasn't the best singer in his house - his mother, Carolyn, was. [Extracted from the article]

This article is an interview with Hilton Als, a writer and critic known for his exploration of ambiguity and breaking societal boundaries. Als discusses his upbringing, self-discovery, and approach to writing, emphasizing the importance of being unclassifiable and unburdened by societal norms. He touches on themes of shame, guilt, and atonement in his work, as well as the relationship between aesthetics and politics. Als believes that art should evoke emotion and challenge our perceptions of ourselves. He reflects on the concept of freedom in the work of Black artists and the idea that writers may feel a sense of freedom while creating, but not after finishing their work. The text also mentions the concept of the "eternal return," which brings both possibility and despair, but also joy in the prospect of being a different self with each new project. [Extracted from the article]

Quarmyne describes this process as "methodology for artists, and particularly for racialized artists, artists with a colonial history, to look at how we carry ancestral memory and story in our bodies." Quarmyne's work has been deeply shaped and guided by the Arrivals Legacy process founded by theatre artist Diane Roberts. À partir de ces questions, l'article explore les affaires familiales en art du mouvement dans une série d'entretiens avec quatre artistes uniques: Liliona Quarmyne, Starr Muranko, Nickeshia Garrick et Mayumi Lashbrook. FEATURES "I feel like a stretch", says Liliona Quarmyne (she/her). [Extracted from the article]

There are scores of late Black artists who were all but discarded by the art world during their lifetimes - the figurative painter Bob Thompson, the Abstract Expressionist Ed Clark, and color-field painter Sam Gilliam among them - whose reputations Johnson has now helped to resurrect. Even while still in college, Johnson was eager to establish himself in the Chicago art scene, and once showed up unannounced at a nearby gallery he heard was having a group show, with a portfolio of images he had made. Paul met Johnson through Maverick Carter, the sports-marketing businessman, and has since purchased eight of Johnson's paintings, in addition to works by Lauren Halsey, Derrick Adams, and Amoako Boafo. Features ONE WAY TO measure an artist's success on the island of Manhattan is real estate, and by that metric, among many others, Rashid Johnson has been very successful. [Extracted from the article]

Together, Richards and Wilson came up with an unusual strategy, and in the process helped inaugurate a new and closer relationship between commercial and nonprofit theater in America. But his relationship with Richards was deteriorating in classic patricidal fashion: As Wilson grew comfortable in his prominence, he chafed at Richards's guiding role. That meant helping Wilson find "a through line or a fully realized theme", as Richards put it, to give coherence to the fascinating characters and the often disjointed scenes and speeches that first propelled Wilson into a play. Culture & Critics When August Wilson's The Piano Lesson opened at the Huntington Theatre in Boston in 1988, my mother, her friend Renée, and I sat in the audience, captivated by the struggles of a brother and sister at odds about the fate of a family heirloom, a piano on which their enslaved ancestor had made African carvings. [Extracted from the article]

Lydia Blackmore, the decorative arts curator at the Historic New Orleans Collection, conducted a census of the portrait paintings in the collection to assess representation and identify any gaps. The census surveyed 500 original paintings spanning nearly 300 years of New Orleans history. The majority of the sitters are white, with a small percentage being Black or Native American. A significant number of portraits remain unidentified, and there is a disproportionate representation of white male enslavers. Blackmore suggests acquiring works by artists of color, female artists, and works with known Black sitters to fill these gaps and better interpret the region's complex history. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Black Lives In Music (BLIM), an organization working towards equality for Black musicians and professionals in the music industry. Topics include the impact of BLIM's groundbreaking report, "Being Black In The UK Music Industry," the challenges faced by Black professionals due to racial inequality, and BLIM's collaborations with various institutions and industry leaders to address and raise awareness about systemic issues.

The article offers information on the Tropical Aesthetics of Black Modernism, as lead by Samantha A. Noël. Topics include the framing of the tropical as an aesthetic strategy by Black artists, the paradoxes of tropicality as a site of resistance for Black artists, and the exploration of tropical aesthetics thematically divided into two halves.

The article informs readers about the hopes and dreams of leading figures in the music industry for the upcoming year. Topics include desires for the growth and recognition of R&B artists, transparency in gender pay gap reporting, creating moments of relief through music amidst global challenges, enhancing exports of UK music, and fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.

The article features singer-songwriter Coco Jones and her works that led to her nomination in the 2024 Grammy Awards. Also cited are her roles in Disney Channel shows and films such as "Let It Shine" and "So Random!," her signing with High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings, and her accomplishments as singer-songwriter including her 2013 album "Made Of."

American Fiction is a film adaptation of Percival Everett's novel Erasure, directed by Cord Jefferson. The story follows Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, a Black novelist whose work is deemed not "Black enough" by the literary elite. Frustrated, Monk decides to write a book filled with offensive Black stereotypes, but instead of recognizing it as satire, the publishing establishment loves it and offers him a $1 million book deal. The film explores themes of professional life, the limitations placed on Black writers, and the complexities of Black family dynamics. The director, Cord Jefferson, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a Black writer in the entertainment industry. The film features a talented cast, including Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Sterling K. Brown. [Extracted from the article]

This article introduces four emerging directors in the film industry. Blitz Bazawule, from Ghana, is currently working on a musical adaptation of Alice Walker's "The Color Purple." Ilker Çatak, a German-Turkish director, gained recognition for his film "The Teachers' Lounge" and is now working on a new project called "Yellow Letters." Sophie Dupuis, a Quebecois director, explores toxic relationships in her film "Solo," set in the drag world. Cord Jefferson, known for his TV writing, is making his directorial debut with "American Fiction," based on Percival Everett's novel "Erasure." Titus Kaphar, an artist turned filmmaker, presents his semi-autobiographical film "Exhibiting Forgiveness" at the Sundance Film Festival. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the conundrum faced by many American artists today, focusing on the film "American Fiction" and the protagonist's struggle with the publishing industry's expectations of Black authors. The film explores the tension between creating art that reflects the Black experience and avoiding pandering to stereotypes. The author reflects on their own experience as a Black writer and their desire for their novel to be seen as more than just a "Black American book." The article raises the question of who Black artists should create for and highlights the challenges they face in navigating racial boundaries in their work. [Extracted from the article]

"She'd fall asleep sometimes on the set of I The Jeffersons, i " Angela, 68, recalls of Marla's early years on the long-running sitcom, which debuted in 1975, just as Angela was starting her own successful acting career. IN PART 3 OF OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION, THE TWO GENERATIONS OF ACTRESSES HONOR THE PEOPLE WHO'VE INSPIRED THEM MOST: EACH OTHER MARLA ONSCREEN: MOVIN' ON UP ANGELA ONSCREEN: LONGEVITY AND LAUGHS Of the many lessons Angela Gibbs learned from her mother, legendary actress Marla Gibbs, the most important one might be: Don't quit. [Extracted from the article]

Lange says that before accepting art for the special exhibit, Cedars-Sinai made sure its insurance policy was up-to-date and that all requirements of the policy were met on its end. While Miller could have connected Johnson to the planned-giving department, she realized what Johnson wanted was change now - but leaving art in her will would create change later. WHEN Anne Johnson's husband, Charles, underwent surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, she walked the halls as she waited and found the art "uplifting.". [Extracted from the article]

"Antwaun has always been stylish, he's always been in fashion, he's always been in music, he's always been in multiple circles.… Me and Antwaun, we used to say we're like the Future and DJ Esco of the art world", Erizku told me, name-checking the trendsetting Atlanta rapper and his producer-manager. When Jay-Z stopped by the gallery's London outpost during the Sargent-staged show "Social Works II", he was given a private tour by Sargent. By the time the Lumpkin show began traveling the country under Sargent's direction in February 2020, the critical establishment was starting to more regularly cover Black artists, but often in a way that unsettled Sargent. Dressed in an outfit typical of his style - Gucci loafers with a Comme des Garçons jacket and Esenshel wool cap - Sargent occupied a seat reserved for Tyler Mitchell, the young photographer whose own Sargent-organized show at Gagosian would open the following week in London. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the artwork of Walter Price, a contemporary artist known for his nuanced and fluid paintings. Born in Macon, Georgia, Price currently resides in Brooklyn. The article includes an interview with Price, where he discusses his recent exhibition at the Walker Art Center and his artistic influences. Price emphasizes the importance of open conversations and varied perspectives when engaging with his art, rather than imposing a specific meaning or narrative. He also discusses his use of line, color, and materiality in his paintings, as well as his decision to hang them on black walls for a unique exhibition experience. The article concludes by highlighting Price's ability to provoke thought and engage viewers while maintaining a sense of generosity and openness in his work. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the connection between Black self-determination and Surrealism, focusing on the case of Faustin-Élie Soulouque, the last emperor of Haiti. The author raises questions about the history of Surrealism and suggests that it can be seen as emerging from strategies among formerly enslaved peoples to imagine a reality where Black and Brown people had control over their own destinies. The article also discusses the use of Surrealist tools by Black artists in the US to explore the absurdity of the Black American experience. The author concludes by suggesting that Surrealism can help us better understand and imagine different ways of being in the face of absurd and oppressive situations. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a questionnaire posed by Phyllis Tuchman, which echoes previous questionnaires from the 1950s and 1960s about the state of contemporary art. The article explores topics such as the existence of an avant-garde, the academic nature of abstraction, the impact of social media on abstract art, the influence of art schools, and the relationship between abstraction and representation. It also highlights the diverse sensibilities and approaches within contemporary abstraction, showcasing various artists and their unique styles. The author emphasizes that there is no singular "zombie formalism" but rather good and bad abstraction. The article concludes by paraphrasing Robert Smithson, who argued that there are multiple sensibilities within the 1960s. The author, Pepe Karmel, is an art history professor at New York University and has written for various publications. [Extracted from the article]