Art And Its Intricacies...

"I love my young nation, groovy sensation.  No time for hibernation, only elation..."  Scenario - Tribe Called Quest feat. L.O.N.S

Today's discussion seems to be a melange of things going on in the art world.  I don't only talk about music you know!

First of all, kudos to Italian Vogue for FINALLY opening their eyes to the obvious and doing their part.  They have decided to do an all black issue of Vogue, using only black models.  Now that in itself is an epic event ladies and gentleman.  You may argue that yes, we had Grace Jones, Beverly Johnson, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and her angry self, Iman and Roshamba to name those who come to mind.  And of course we have the already established Alek Wek, Selita Ebanks and Ajuma Nasenyama paving the way for the newbies.  However, all of the models listed along with those who are not, are still not getting their just due on the runways or anywhere else in fashion for that matter.  With a sprinkling of black beauty on the runways and on fashion magazine covers, it is amazing to see the Bible of fashion magazines, step up and do the damn thing.  Of course, it would be much more gratifying to read and see the spread in American Vogue, mostly because I do not read italian.  I guess we will have to schedule a little chat with Anna Wintour on that one.  Nonetheless, I do tip my hat off to Italian Vogue and photographer Steven Meisel (for those who don't know, he is the one who shot Madonna's Sex book and the "it" photographer for Vogue) for putting rising star Jourdan Dunn (above) who is only 17 years old, on the cover.  She better not be half naked a la Miley Cyrus!!  And Miss Dunn is not the quiet type either, she is extremely vocal about the affairs of racism in the fashion world.  She says she is looking to go back to her studies to attend business school so she can open an agency for black, hispanic and asian models.  Indeed a young girl with a serious head on her shoulders.  I hope that her dreams and aspirations come true so she achieves her personal goals and helps others in achieving their own in the fashion world.

Another mention in the art world that I came across, is work from Australian artist Emma Hack.  You know the emails we receive with body art being painted on bodies used as canvas? Well Emma Hack is basically that kind of artist, but it would not be fair to put her in that category at all.  I could be coming across as a bit snub, but those emails clearly look like spray paintings or photoshop at their best.  They are good, but not this good.  Her pieces are so intricate and beautifully detailed, that I had to take a second and third look.  She is indeed a body painter and has been a make-up artist, hairdresser and face painter for the past 20 years.  All the years of training, precision and talent are definitely reflected in her work.  She has done work for Tiffany & Co, make-up mega giant MAC and Toyota to name a few of the companies up on Emma's work.  Some art enthusiasts argue that Emma would not even be spoken about, if it wasn't for the nude element in her work.  They claim her wallpaper patterns to be boring and she adds to the declining position of women in the arts.  Emma's pieces are said to take as much as 19 hours to complete.  Take a look at her website and at at her work.  I believe that Emma Hack is much more than just her wallpaper exhibitions and that she is certainly an artist in her own right.  So let those naysayers talk their dumbassidrie.  Do your thing Emma!

And lastly, you know I can't get enough of Hotlanta gem and photographer extraordinaire Derek Blanks aka D Blanks.  I did a post about him previously regarding his portraits titled "Alter Ego."  His shots of Eva Pigford, Diddy's ex Kim Porter and Amerie were smokin' hot.  Perhaps I am the loner on this one, but hey, I am not a "hot on the heels of ..." kinda blogger.  I only dish out interesting info for your pleasure as I go along.  Derek has a book out entitled "The Art Of Photography" with Miss Keyshia Cole on the cover looking serious in her b-girl stance. 

This book is sold and apparently downloadable here for free.  The download free part doesn't make sense to me, but if you are interested you can check out some of his amazing pics in this collection.

For the flashback of the day, I thought it would only be fitting to grace my page with an innovator in the art of videos.  He was the one who tagged video production with big budgets, story boards and imagination beyond compare.  Michael we miss you...we really do!

See y'all soon...

Tha Connoisseur