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TATTER new flagship in Brooklyn

by JaMir Robert
written by JaMir Robert

The Knocturnal attended Tatter’s new flagship at 230 Ashland Place a new home to their library and exhibition galleries, providing gathering space for special events, artist openings, public workshops, and retail.

They’ve built a new space in the heart of Brooklyn’s cultural district, to convene people and conversation, exploring textile’s unique ability to bring people together. The demand for what they do has never been greater. Centrally located to invite foot traffic, shares a streetscape with other compelling organizations and cultural destinations like BAM and MOCADA.

This new gathering space in the heart of Brooklyn’s Cultural District will help  TATTER to create a home where we can continue to champion textiles, build community, and celebrate one another.  TATTER programming and library are used by hundreds of artists, scholars, historians, and designers each year

Textile arts have, for decades, longed for a centralized community space and an organizational steward to advance underrepresented textile artists, promote learning, engage social questions, preserve heritage, and encourage joy. Brooklyn does benefit from having hubs like this which keep our creative community connected and enrich all the surrounding areas.

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Art

ON THE SCENE: Celebrating the launch of a new short fictional and historical novel and liquor brand that started it all

by Sanjana Sarna
written by Sanjana Sarna

We made it to the auspicious occasion at a speakeasy, The Back Room. Transported to a Rock & Roll Revolutionary Era setting filled with Hercules Mulligan libations, a signing and talk by Aaron, a Hamilton mash up performance and talk by Fergie Philippe (the original Hercules Mulligan from the musical HAMILTON), Irish Modern Traditional live music  as well as many other unexpected moments to indulge in.

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ArtEvents

On The Scene: Lily Martinez’ “Siempre en mi Corazón” Catrina Costume Exhibit

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

On October 5th, I had the pleasure of entering into the enchanting world of Lily Martinez’s “Siempre en mi Corazón” Catrina Costume Exhibit at the Gateway to Nature Center & Museum in Los Angeles. This opening marked the commencement of the Día De Los Muertos season. It was a captivating journey into the heart of Mexican Catrina culture, as seen through the eyes of a true native Angeleno.

As I strolled through the exhibit, I was immediately struck by the exquisite craftsmanship that graced every corner of the room. Each of the 25 Catrina costumes on display, handcrafted over the years by Lily Martinez, was a breathtaking testament to her dedication and passion. The attention to detail was nothing short of awe-inspiring, making me wonder how someone could create such intricate, delicate works of art. Each costume told a unique story, a vivid portrayal of the Catrina tradition that continues to thrive today.

Walking through “Siempre en mi Corazón,” it was clear that the entire exhibit was a love letter to the culture. The vivid colors, the elegant designs, and the genuine care in every piece resonated with the warmth and love with which this tradition is held. The atmosphere was more than just an art display; it was a celebration of life and a tribute to those who have come before us.

Tequila CAZADORES, known for its commitment to authenticity and tradition, was the perfect partner for this event. Their premium tequila offerings added a delightful touch of Mexican heritage to an already remarkable evening, turning it into a proper fiesta.

It was a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mexican Catrina tradition and celebrate life in a way that only Los Angeles can offer.

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ArtEntertainmentEventsTVUncategorized

Max Brings Young Love to Life at Fort Greene Park

by Branda Ayo
written by Branda Ayo

Set against the backdrop of Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, NY,  Max hosted an immersive screening of Matthew Cherry’s new animated series Young Love this past Wednesday. The Chicago-based show follows an African American couple voiced by Issa Rae and Kid Cudi as Stephen & Angela, along with their daughter Zuri, played by Brooke Monroe Conaway. The animated series was greenlit by  Max in 2020 and launched 9/21 for streaming on Max.

The new series for Max is created by Cherry, who will showrun with long-time animation creative Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). The series will be executive produced by Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young (producer of Hair Love) along with Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.

 

For the family-friendly event Max hosted immersive activations in partnership with Scene In Black & The Lay Out based on the 12-part TV show including:

  • Angela’s Salon: Hair Braiding presented by Yeluchi by Un-Ruly
  • Stephen’s Studio: Beats Making presented by BeatClub & Serato
  • Zuri’s Reading Corner: Kids Activities presented by Penguin Random House
  • Photo Moment: Family House

DJ BMAJR kept the mood alive and upbeat as the official DJ of the evening playing throwbacks and new singles for their set.

The event kicked off promptly at 6 PM, drawing a crowd of eager parents and their little ones, all grabbing snacks and preparing for the evening’s screening. However, the show didn’t start until after sunset, around 7 PM, heightening the anticipation among the attendees. While some episodes had already been released on Max the week before, the opportunity to gather and celebrate a Black TV show in the heart of Brooklyn felt like a powerful statement.

Notably, the local partners that Max collaborated with were predominantly Black vendors or organizations, further emphasizing the event’s intentional commitment to diversity. This choice was in line with the show’s creator and showrunner, Matthew Cherry, who is a Black filmmaker and first-time father. It was an inspiring moment, given the historical significance of Black hair and how it has defined the Black community, to see a light, family-friendly show portraying everyday struggles such as dealing with family expectations, life after a setback, and parenthood, especially to a bright young Black girl. These are challenges that the young couple must contend with, and the TV show skillfully highlights their journey.

Amidst these pressures, the TV show shines a light on the joy and love that the family members have for each other and those around them. Angela’s return to her life after her cancer remission includes relearning her trade as a hairstylist, with mistakes made but ultimately giving herself grace. Stephen grapples with embracing his musical talent and recognizing that his work may not appeal to everyone, understanding that artistic taste is subjective. Meanwhile, Zuri, as cute as ever, urges her parents to participate in a school project, not just to fulfill an assignment, but to showcase how cool and supportive her parents are. Angela and Stephen manage to arrive just in the nick of time, making Zuri proud and treating the kids to some great music for dancing.

Photograph Courtesy of Max

Max screened the first two episodes interactively, engaging the audience with trivia questions related to influential Black movies and TV shows embedded in popular culture. As the evening came to a close, Matthew Cherry, along with other key members of the show, took the stage to express their gratitude to the guests for joining in the celebration of the continuation of their storytelling journey, from Hair Love to Young Love. The Brooklyn audience gave Cherry a well-deserved round of applause, echoing their appreciation for the screening.

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