Celebrity Coverage
Revolutionary visual artist Faith Ringgold has died at the age of 93
ENGLEWOOD, NJ – June 7, 2013: Faith Ringgold, 82, political civil rights artist, in her studio at her home in Englewood, New Jersey, on June 7, 2013. Faith Ringgold was one of the leaders of the Movement Black Art of the Sixties gained worldwide fame due to her quilts. “Americans, Black Light: Faith Ringgold Paintings from the 1960s.” is a retrospective of race, reconciliation, activism and feminism from one of the most turbulent periods in American history. (Photo: Melanie Burford/Prime for The Washington Post)
Faith Ringgold, a groundbreaking multidisciplinary artist, has died at the age of 93.
Ringgold’s practice included painting, soft sculpture, and prose, but her experiments with quilting made her unique in the art world. She turned static quilts into powerful stories about the civil rights movement, illustrating scenes of resilience, community and kindness. Using her visual skills allowed her to spread her thoughts into the world without the varnish of others’ plans.
Her talent earned her 23 honorary doctorates. Center for the Study of African American and African Diaspora Visual Arts and Culture David C. Driskell at the University of Maryland learning room dedicated to Ringgold’s cultural contributions.
Her sometimes autobiographical work inspired generations of artists to boldly engage in politics. For a few years, she didn’t receive the recognition she deserved from the mainstream art world, but that didn’t stop Ringgold from using self-expression to advertise justice. Eventually the culture caught up together with her courage.
Ringgold was born in Harlem, New York, but lived and worked in Englewood, New Jersey. She studied visual arts at City College of New York, earning two degrees in 1955 and 1959.
In November 2023 Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago an exhibition presenting 60 years of Ringgold’s work opened. The institution considered the show date to be “long overdue.”
Her presence has been appreciated by Black women in the arts, and her absence will probably be deeply felt.
“Through her amazing children’s books, quilts, paintings and textiles, she visually and boldly told our story; Black people, Black women, Black children,” said Lauren LeBeaux Craig, executive director of Newark Arts and former ED of Art at Atrium. “Her name must always be mentioned among the greats, and her contributions will live forever.”
“From the National Portrait Gallery to the partitions of the New Museum, Faith has woven threads of spirituality, identity and resilience into a worldwide tapestry. She leaves a strong mark on contemporary art, inspiring me and all creators to embrace our stories with courage and creativity.” – Talia Young, CEO Newark Symphony Hallsays ESSENCE.
“Faith Ringgold’s art was a powerful force of truth, resilience, and empowerment that illuminated the African American experience with unparalleled depth and beauty. Her narrative quilts and paintings gave voice to stories that have long been overlooked, particularly the stories of Black women, and challenged us to directly confront the complexities of our society,” said Taneshia Nash Laird, president and CEO, Greater Roxbury Arts and Cultural CenterBoston, MA in one other statement.
“Faith Ringgold’s art was a powerful force of truth, resilience, and empowerment that illuminated the African American experience with unparalleled depth and beauty. Her narrative quilts and paintings gave voice to stories that have long been overlooked, particularly the stories of Black women, and challenged us to directly confront the complexities of our society,” said Taneshia Nash Laird, president and CEO, Greater Roxbury Arts and Cultural CenterBoston, MA in one other statement.
“Faith Ringgold’s legacy is a testament to the power of art to inspire change, foster understanding and uplift communities. “She will forever be an icon whose impact will continue to echo through the generations she inspired to imagine and create a more just and compassionate world.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ringgold’s family, friends and everybody she inspired together with her creativity.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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