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Social Abstraction Art Exhibition at Gagosian Beverly Hills – Essence

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Cameron Welch, “The Golden Thread,” 2024. Photo: Maris Hutchinson. Courtesy of Gagosian.

When Gagosian The gallery opened its doors in Beverly Hills almost 30 years ago with the goal of amplifying its global influence within the art industry. Since then, the venue has featured works by Derrick Adams, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Pablo Picasso, amongst others. Now, viewers can experience an exhibition that explores memory, identity, politics, and history through the work of numerous influential contemporary Black artists.

Curated by writer, editor, and visionary Antwaun Sargent, the group exhibition features work by Kevin Beasley, Theaster Gates, Lauren Halsey, and Amanda Williams, to call a couple of. It also features an eclectic array of materials used to create works that blur the lines between figuration and abstraction. These materials carry deep conceptual and cultural meaning, transforming shapes into landscapes, cityscapes, and substantive narratives. For Sargent, the exhibition just isn’t only a showcase of gorgeous art, but in addition a celebration of the artists themselves.

Antwaun Sargent Curates a Provocative Exploration of Black History and Identity Through ‘Social Abstraction’
Artwork, floor, left to right: Theaster Gates, Kahlil Robert Irving; wall, left to right: Cy Gavin, Cameron Welch, Amanda Williams. Photo credit: Jeff McLane

“I’ve known a lot of these artists since the very beginning of my career, since I was in my twenties and they were in their twenties,” Sargent tells ESSENCE. “To see their interests and studio practices and art develop in the way that they have over the last decade has been a real gift for me as a writer and curator who has followed their work, but also as a friend who has come to know them through their work. So to be able to reconnect with them at this point in their careers and at this point in my career has been incredible.”

In addition to being an exhibition of latest abstract art as a method of exploring socially conscious themes, this is barely the primary installment of the exhibition. The second installment is about to open in Hong Kong Sept. 10 with the identical list of artists; each of them has a big body of labor, which supplies next month’s show the feel and look of a brand new exhibition. “These artists have really broad practices,” says the 2023 Lucie Award winner. “So we’re presenting different things from these artists in this particular show, again, to broaden the audience and broaden the conversation around these artists and their ideas.”

Sargent, known for his keen eye and commitment to elevating black voices within the art world, also incorporated the medium of dance into the exhibition’s opening night. The special performance was choreographed by Kyle Abraham, whose work aligns with the themes presented in . Sargent sees it as a major extension of the dialogue created by the artwork, further enriching the viewer’s experience.

Antwaun Sargent Curates a Provocative Exploration of Black History and Identity Through ‘Social Abstraction’
Donovan Reed performs before Rick Lowe’s album “Cavity Remains”, 2024.

“We’re always trying to expand the notion of what art is and build connections between visual art and other forms of art,” the renowned author explains. “I thought that with these kinds of group shows, it’s about grounding visual art in a larger cultural context. And also thinking about parallels and how artists from different mediums or media are thinking about these issues in some way.” By creating an exhibition that brings together so many types of nice art, it also brings together individuals with different interests and focus, which is intentional for Sargent, since the foremost goal is to create connections that reach beyond the partitions of galleries and museums, wherever they could be.

“I want to make sure that the dialogue isn’t just between artworks, but that artists are in the conversation,” Sargent says. “I really believe that as artists, the more artists we have in the conversation, thinking together, the deeper and richer the engagement we can all have as an art-consuming culture.”

may be seen at the Gagosian Cinema Beverly Hills until August 30, 2024.

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

Shaboozey on her YSL – Essence fragrance partnership

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Courtesy of YSL

Masculinity just got a brand new scent – and that is what it smells like Shaboozey. Starring Lil Nas XPeso Pluma, Vinnie Hacker and The Kid LAROI in the newest Yves Saint Laurent fragrance project “Bar song (tipsy)” artist is the newest to define the meaning of “modern masculine” beauty.

“The collaboration with YSL Beauty is truly exciting because the company has always been at the forefront of culture, redefining what it means to be bold and timeless,” Shaboozey tells ESSENCE. The musician’s true self-expression, showcased within the brand’s digital design “Born MYSLF, No Matter What”, represents the message behind their latest men’s fragrance MYSLF Perfume.

“I liked how we explored the concept that being strong doesn’t have to mean fitting into a box,” he says, topping off the country music genre with bleached-tipped wicks. “It’s about owning who you are, being real, and YSL Beauty gave me the space to show that.”

Known for his 18-week #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (one week away from breaking Lil Nas the important thing to Shaboozey’s success is easy: balance.

From gym workouts to meditation sessions and knowing when to walk away, “for me, self-care was about finding balance,” she says, which is a chord that also strikes in the brand new fragrance. Vanilla bourbon in a YSL bottle, the extreme masculine aroma hits each floral and oud notes, providing sensuality and strength in equal measure. “She has that presence and stays with you, which is exactly what I need when I’m on the move.”

The global men’s grooming market is anticipated to be price $115 billion by 2028 (up 77 percent year-on-year) the boys’s cosmetics boom represents a obligatory shift not only from two-in-one shampoos and overpowering fragrances, but in addition within the definition of masculinity as an entire. According to Shaboozey, YSL’s latest fragrance is ahead of the curve. “YSL Beauty has a track record of pushing boundaries while staying classic, and that’s a vibe I’ve always admired.”


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Kelis published her first children’s book, “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, inspired by her travels

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Kelis is a lady of many talents, and her latest featured work is as a children’s book writer. The singer announced on Instagram that she has written a brand new book titled, which follows the adventures of foremost character Abel Sabbath Brown across the continent. The singer also announced in the identical breath that she had began a brand new company.

“I’m so happy to finally show you something I’ve been working on. I WROTE MY FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK!!! I started a company called MAKE IT BROWN,” she wrote within the caption on Instagram under a video during which she discusses the brand new book.

“We only aim to offer characters and stories about places and adventures that our youngsters can see themselves in. It’s all about love and representation. The inspiration to write down this story was my trip to Africa this yr,” she continued within the caption.

Over the past yr, Kelis has been giving us the travel content we didn’t know we wanted, documenting her travels across Africa. Artist Milkshake has traveled to places similar to Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Rwanda, immersing herself in local communities and agriculture.

The 45-year-old artist further wrote: “I traveled with my family and we were so grateful to see all the sweetness this continent has to supply. From the people to the bottom, it was just amazing. And I desired to share this with all of you and your families. I actually love us, so from the underside of my heart to you! Welcome into your heart THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA AND THE SABBATH BROWN. ❤️ #book #kids #To read #children’s book #Africa #eastafrica #to learn

The latest writer also announced in a separate post that the children’s book is now available on her website in paper, digital and audio versions.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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EXCLUSIVE: Bilal’s unfiltered genius comes to life live at Glasshaus – Essence

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Grammy Award-winning singer Bilal doesn’t need an enormous arena to dominate the room – only a studio in Brooklyn, 100 devoted fans and collaborators who understand the soul of music. On a December night in 2023, energy at Glasshouse was electrifying, with stars like Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper gathered close together, exchanging riffs and jokes as if the audience wasn’t even there. Now this magic has been closed and awaits its premiere on November 20, 2024 on Glasshaus’ YouTube channel.

Bilal isn’t only a concert film – it’s a mirrored image of his journey as some of the progressive and underrated musical talents. Directed by Glasshaus founder Jarrett Wetherell, the 65-minute documentary takes us on a rare, intimate performance. Alongside such influential collaborators as Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper, Bilal delivers performances which might be raw and electrifying, filled with the vulnerability and soul that make him an artist artist. The film captures not only the music, but additionally the unspoken bond between these legends and highlights Bilal’s position as some of the influential voices of our generation.

“This film is a love letter to one of the greatest singers of our time,” Wetherell reflects. “Bilal conveys a sense of vulnerability during his performances and interviews, which is rare among artists today. It is an intimate way that puts you in the studio with five legends, immersed in their music and the moment.”

it is a masterclass in creativity, captured in real time. Questlove turns a six-minute anecdote concerning the making of “Sometimes” into an unforgettable lesson in musical storytelling, while Common blurs the road between audience and performer, breaking into out-of-the-box freestyles and revisiting timeless verses from “Reminisce” and “Funkowo for You.”

In essence, the film is a love letter to some of the influential artists of his generation. From his genre-bending debut to underground hits like and , Bilal returns to his catalog with a fresh twist, delivering long-awaited releases just like the business release of “Something to Hold” and “All For Love.” Split-screen cinematography enhances the intimacy, drawing the viewer into every subtle moment – the movement of fingers over the strings, the glances exchanged during improvisation – all highlighting the magic of the music and the deep connection between these legends.

It’s Bilal who finally gets the flowers and each moment seems late. As Questlove put it best: “He’s Beyoncé’s favorite singer.” The film doesn’t just showcase Bilal’s vocals – it shows him as a cornerstone of the Soulquarian movement, whose influence is woven into the material of up to date music.

For fans, the experience goes beyond the screen. The limited edition 2xLP vinyl offers a tangible piece of magic, while the live album, released earlier this yr, is essential for collectors.

Watch the premiere on November 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Glasshaus YouTube channel. Watch the video below.

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