The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EventsThe Latest

A Discussion with Shantrelle P. Lewis on ‘Dandy Lion’ at the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair

by Yanique Bourjolly May 11, 2017
by Yanique Bourjolly May 11, 2017 0 comments
3.3K

Last Sunday ARTNOIR, an organization that supports the freedom of artistic expression for all hosted several events in collaboration with the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Pioneer Works’ artspace in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Kicking off day was a Moët Hennessy brunch where French 75 signature cocktails were served paired with light appetizers. Following the brunch was an imitate conversation with renowned curator and author, Shantrelle P. Lewis on her new book “Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style.” The talk was moderated by curator, cultural critic and cofounder of ARTNOIR, Larry Ossei-Mensah who serves also serves as the co-chair on Russell Simmons’ RUSH Artist Advisory Board, the Guggenheim’s Young Collectors Council and MoMA’s Friends of Education. After the discussion guests were given a private VIP tour of the fair.

“Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style” can be preordered now for it’s May, 19th release date on aperture.org. The 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair is at the forefront in contemporary African art and returned to New York for its third edition on May 5-7th, 2017 while this October will mark its fifth London edition.

Check out our exclusive highlights of the Q&A:

Ossei-Mensah: Why did you choose to take on this project? And what gave you the courage to say that this needs to be seen and shared?

Lewis: Honestly, it wasn’t something in terms of Dandyism, it wasn’t something I was very conscious of. I grew up in New Orleans. Coming to Howard University introduced me to the larger diaspora, particularly the black diaspora I thought to be southern was quite different than that of New York. I remember guys on campus wearing really tightly starched jabots and dudes from New York and Boston wearing baggy jeans and tims with oversized shirts which was very much in contrast from what people were wearing from the South. I was always considering what it mean to be from New Orleans and to be black and from the South within this larger framework of the Diaspora even within Afro-America. Dressing up was just what we did. We did it on Sundays, we did it for Easter. We had an outfit for church and after church. I was always exposed to this idea of men dressing up, particularly in my family. In 2010 when Ngozi Odita, one of our good friends from Harriet’s Alter Ego invited me to curate a pop-up exhibition, I was really considering a couple things like what she was doing in terms of fashion in Brooklyn in the early 2000s. What’s hip today in Brooklyn, Harriet’s Alter Ego was at the forefront of that. The natural hair movement and wearing African print before it was really a thing or cool to do. I was considering how style was being defined by these black people and how do we celebrate the diversity of black manhood. So I had to go back into my roots and that’s wear I think ‘Dandy Lion’ began.

Ossei-Mensah: So how did you choose photography specifically to be the medium to explore, investigate and share?

Lewis: I’m partial to photography thanks, Dr. Deb Willis and all of the work she’s done. It was the first exhibition I curated at The African American Museum at the photography show. Terrence Jennings, Jamel Shabazz, Ayana Jackson and all these heavy hitting photographers who besides Jamel were at the beginning of their career. I was always partial to photography as a medium and the ways that it always moved me in the way we have always been able to tell our stories. It’s also very literal. When thinking about contemporary Dandyism, I even have to reference W. E. B. Du Bois in his exhibition in Paris in which he had this extensive exhibition of portraits of black people. It was a response to black people being lynched, as buffoons and the minstrel figures. To talk about black men and black masculinity it’s very literal because the images that you see on television and magazines, on “most wanted” ads billboards and different cities and in the news- those are very literal images, like photography. And so I didn’t want to have a very abstract conversation about black masculinity in a contemporary context. I wanted to have a very literal conversation.

Ossei-Mensah: And so the pop-up show was in Harlem at the very original museum space which I actually had the opportunity to exhibit this year and so just kind of knowing the history of the space- you did the exhibition wildly successfully, what was the impetus for you to say “We need to take this on the road and other communities need to see this work?”

Lewis: Honestly, it wasn’t even me. As you know as a curator the glory is not always there, we have moments that are great but the behind the scenes life of a curator- I have no words. I would have definitely run the exhibition a long time ago but just trying to get photographs, bios and artist statements and images can be a little challenging, to say the least but it was honestly the response from the community. I knew that Dandyism is a thing. Of course Monica Miller who is a professor at Barnard wrote “Slaves to Fashion” which brilliantly articulates the trajectory of the historical of Black Dandy from its 17th century predecessor and Daniele Tamagni did “Gentlemen of Bacongo” but I think it was a largely ignored subculture within hip-hop but people were so thirsty for positive images of black men that MoCADA wanted to show, the original Louis Museum wanted to show, Amsterdam, and The Museum of Contemporary Photography and it kept growing so really it just shows you how thirsty we are as a community to see more nuance images of ourselves than the very monolithic image of ourselves that exists in popular culture and media.

Photos courtesy of Antoine Reid (@noemadnyc on social media).

1:54 Contemporary African Art FairDandy LionShantrelle Lewis
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Yanique Bourjolly

previous post
Anti Social Social Club and BAPE Capsule Collection Preview
next post
Rémy Martin Celebrates National Cognac Day with Brand Ambassador Marc Forgione

Related Posts

Lady London Opens Up About Growth, Grief, and...

October 11, 2025

CIX Get Real About “GO Chapter 1: GO...

October 10, 2025

Libra Season at Limusina

October 10, 2025

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too with...

October 10, 2025

Lil Jon Brings His Signature Crunk Energy to...

October 10, 2025

Amazónico Makes Its U.S. Debut in Miami With...

October 10, 2025

We Talk to the Cast and Writers of...

October 9, 2025

Netflix’s “Jay Kelly” Movie Premiere at the New...

October 9, 2025

Mooncakes, Jazz, and Modern Chinese Cuisine: A Cozy...

October 9, 2025

The Gotham Week Presents: Shorts-to-Features Showcase Recap

October 9, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch