On August 2nd, Chinese artist 蔡徐坤 Cai Xu Kun, famously known as KUN, helmed his sold-out first-ever U.S. headlining show, ”KUN: ONE NIGHT ONLY” at the Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles, CA. We got up close and personal to view the unforgettable performance, which doubled as a celebration with fans in honor of his 27th birthday and introduced the next stage in his solo career.
Bold Ombre Transitions and Artistic Flourishes Define a Collection Inspired by the Designer’s Early Days in the Studio.
On Thursday, American Express and Grammy-nominated artist Teddy Swims delivered an exclusive Album Preview Event for Swims’ new album, I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Pt 2) at Webster Hall. American Express card members were granted early access to the event — which included fun photo opportunities, themed cocktails and sweet treats — as well as exclusive merchandise.
On Dec. 6, SpringHill teamed up with Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and artist Ian Woods to introduce a custom design reimagining the iconic Bulleit bottle, in celebration of Springhill’s bold zine, The Program Vol. 3.
“Vital Impetus: Life Signs” is a new art exhibition featured at The Gallery at the UNTITLED at 3 Freeman Alley Hotel. The exhibition, in partnership with Azure Arts, is a collection of mixed media works by NYC-based artists: Alice Garik, Gina Kropf, and jdx.
by Alice Garik
visitant by jdx
Head of Eirene by Gina Kropf
The French philosopher Henri Bergson’s word “élan vital” (vital drive) is the source of the exhibition’s title and subject. Life Signs explores the relationship between the so-called “creative self” and human connection through the lens of black-and-white imagery. In doing so, we truly see self-expression along with how we connect or don’t connect with the world around us.
The exhibition additionally reflects the history of the Bowery which acted as a refuge for artists who were willing to push boundaries in the 70s and 80s, such as Scharf, Haring, and Sherman. Today, the Bowery boasts some of the most refined and vibrant street art in the city. This exhibition truly begins this to the centerfold.
Vital Impetus: Life Signs is Azure Arts first exhibition. Azure Arts is known as a nomadic gallery anchored in supporting emerging and mid-career artists living in New York City. They connect and cultivate a community for creative minds who maintain a genuine curiosity about human nature, the universe, and an appreciation for the practice of making the intangible tangible. Azure Arts host and facilitates artist dinners, gallery talks, studio visits, and many more opportunities for curious collectors to gain insight into any artist’s creative process.
Vital Impetus: Life Signs is on view at UNTITLED now until February 10, 2024.
Delphine Diallo is a visual artist and photographer who’s captivated the industry with her deep exploration of women, race, and history through her lens. A major aspect of Diallo’s work is mythology. She often makes her subjects appear almost as powerful mythical beings in her photos. Each photograph tells a unique story, showcasing the strength, vulnerability, and grace of feminity.
Prior to the reveal of the works, a short film “Soulscapes: The Artistic Journey of Delphine Diallo,” was shown.”Soulscapes” sees Diallo in Paris, New York, and Miami encapsulated by moments of nature and movement. In a park in New York, she gives a demonstration of how Tai Chi helps her to balance her mind and body so that she may explore the soul of her creations. One clip sees her submerged by water at a beach symbolizing rebirth and clips of fire that symbolize death. As the film develops, Diallo brings viewers along her creative journey. She discusses how carefully stacking images and other components gives her collages the narrative richness they possess. The film was directed by Nicole Ianniello and produced by DK Johnston, with cinematography by Marissa Kaiser, additional footage by Marilyn Clark, and edited by Dorian Duvall.
Delphine Diallo, Mark Musselman
Seeing the actual work Diallo was able to create from this film was stunning. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the female form, Diallo photographs the simple movements of woman. Each frame is adorned in an intricate collage of images. The collages contain images of historical African art and photographs of the human body. The border additionally seems woven by braids, a staple of Black culture. Diallo’s work has often voiced the struggles and beauty of the Black diaspora. This exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the celebration of Black beauty. It is through such exhibitions that honor and elevate narratives that have been historically marginalized. Diallo’s talent and dedication shine through every captured moment, making the photos a remarkable and inspiring experience that will leave a lasting impact on all who have the privilege to witness it.
The exhibition is on display at 685 Third Avenue through November 2023.
When Tessa Medina was four years old, she met her first love: New York City. Refusing to stay put in her stroller, she wanted to be out and about, experiencing the city firsthand with everyone around her.
The Institute of Arab and Islamic Art (IAIA) presented the first solo exhibition of Behjat Sadr’s art. Selected pieces depict her career over five decades. The display showed Sadr’s diverse skills, which spanned photography, photomontage, painting, kinetics, and unusual materials. The show will run from May 15thIr to August 27th.
Amandouce is an artist originally from the Republic of the Congo, who moved to the United States and grew up in Virginia. He knew he was passionate about art early on in life and has been making things since the age of four.
The West Coast is experiencing what some would define as a musical renaissance. For the past few years, there’s been a huge emergence of talent hailing from the city of Los Angeles and taking the nation by storm, including Roddy Richh, rap duo BlueBucksClan, 1TakeJay and Blxst just to name a few.
And joining that list is L.A. bred newcomer Kalan.FrFr.
But rap wasn’t always on his radar. After establishing a pretty solid football career at San Diego State University, a then 21-year old Kalan had to unexpectedly end his time on the field and shifted his focus to pursuing music full time.
His biggest song “Never Lose You” has over 5 million views on YouTube and his infectious discography has gained him 628,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
So, it came as no surprise when he caught the eye of Roc Nation and signed on the dotted line officially to be a part of the company founded by Jay-Z. He even made his Made In America Festival debut this year as a Roc Nation artist.
We caught up with the rap star to talk about his new album 222, his appreciation for fashion and his outlook on the music industry as a business.
We get deep and touch on his deep connection with his spirituality and how it’s impacted his career, as well as his dedication to fighting the negative stigmas surrounding special needs – an issue the rapper holds near to his heart.
Last month, the rapper hosted his TwoFr Day annual charity event, where he donates clothes, school supplies and more to his former community and high school in Compton, CA. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Compton Unified School District Special Needs Program.
On a lighter note, he also speaks about his genuine love for his job and making music, and how he’s determined to not let the pressures of life and work stop him from enjoying the fruits of his labor.
“I’m not gonna say I’m not having fun because it’s fun. This is fun, my job is fun. But, it’s still my job at the end of the day. So, I treat it like work. I feel like this next stage I’m at in my life, I’m gonna have a lot more fun with the perks of being a rapper” says Kalan.FrFr.
As for what’s next for Kalan.FrFr?
“The video ‘Light Breeze‘ finna drop. So, just get ready for the video, it’s gonna be fire” he said.
Fire would be an understatement. The new music video for the melodic trap bop off his 222 album follows the rapper around his city of L.A.
Kalan.FrFr may be a rookie in the rap game but he carries his self like a veteran. The lifestyle comes easy to him and it shows.
In the video for “Light Breeze,” released yesterday, he raps “All you can see is a light breeze, Sunroof back, A/C riding through the light, light speed” as he rides past palm trees in foreign cars from sun up to sun down.
Watch out interview with Kalan.FrFr below.