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2024 David C. Driskell Awards Gala: Naomi Beckwith Continues to Highlight African American Art and its Untold Stories

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Photo: David Head, courtesy of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation

Atlanta’s art scene has grown lately thanks to the town’s stellar list of galleries and shops, in addition to the emergence of Atlanta Art Week. Among the growing creative community, the David C. Driskell Awards is a crowning jewel. The nineteenth annual ceremony honored Naomi Beckwith, who in 2021 became the Guggenheim Museum’s first Black deputy director and chief curator. Her efforts in the sphere of African American art have been invaluable and exude all the pieces that this coveted award embodies.

Founded by High Art Museum in 2005, the Driskell Prize recognizes groundbreaking contributions to black art from among the nation’s leading scholars and artists. Due to its prestige, the annual gala gathers the best and brightest participants on this planet of art. This 12 months, the event began with a trendy red carpet, where participants could immortalize this evening for a lifetime. With celebrities including Valerie Cassel Oliver, Tanya Sam, Egypt Sherrod, Charly Palmer, Jeezy, Sergio Hudson and more, the 2024 event was set to turn out to be probably the most memorable in its history.

After a pre-gala cocktail reception within the museum’s atrium, guests were ushered into the major hall where the awards ceremony was to begin. After taking their seats, everyone could enjoy appetizers and dishes inspired by Southern cuisine. Randall Suffolk, director of the High Museum of Art, soon took the rostrum, emphasized the importance of the Driskell Award and introduced the centerpiece of the evening – Naomi Beckwith.

Beckwith appeared on stage and was rewarded with a sea of ​​applause. She began by thanking the jury and showing gratitude for being chosen for such an honorable distinction. The Chicago native also spoke about Dr. Driskell’s legacy and how vital effective collaboration is for artists and curators. “I believe in this practice of working together,” she said during her moving speech. “I believe in collectivity because I know that for Black people especially, collectivity has been our strength and actually the source of our joy.”

The Courtauld graduate then spoke concerning the obstacles artists of color have had to overcome over time and the way it continues to motivate her work. “My job is to bring the gift of Black art and Black artists to the world, so until we truly see the canon of Black art history permeating global institutions, I will have no rest,” Beckwith said. She concluded by thanking her friends, colleagues, family and partner before delivering an ode to the award. “I am incredibly happy to hold this award so close to my heart,” she stated. “I make a public promise to all of you in this field that I will honor the legacy of this award, this gift and this work.”

After Beckwith’s speech, the celebration continued with an official afterparty featuring DJ Princess Cut and Grammy Award-winning DJ Drama. In attendance were Eva Marcille, Killer Mike, Tyler Mitchell and Ebony G. Patterson, amongst others, making the first-ever post-gala celebration truly memorable.

The David C. Driskell Award is the primary within the nation to recognize the importance of African-American art. This award alternates between an African-American artist based within the United States and an art historian whose artistic practice or scholarly work makes an original and vital contribution to the visual arts and black art studies.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Celebrity Coverage

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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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.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence

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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.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence

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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.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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