Celebrity Coverage
Titus Kaphar’s “Showing Forgiveness” explores reconciliation through art and film – Essence
Andra Day and André Holland. Titus Kaphar, “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” 2024. Courtesy of Roadside Attractions
Forgiveness is one of the vital difficult acts in life, but it may also bring the best achievement. It lifts weights, clears the mind and creates a way of emotional and mental freedom like no other. Tytus Kapharrepresents the intersection of a deeply personal narrative and exploration of family, trauma and reconciliation through each painting and film. This recent work on display at Gagosian Beverly Hills invites viewers to explore the artist’s perspective through art as he grapples with the long-standing complexities of his relationship along with his estranged father. The exhibition will present 15 recent paintings that play a key role in his feature film of the identical title, a semi-autobiographical work by which artistic processes and life stories intertwine.
Kaphar’s creation of each of those projects began with an unexpected meeting. When he visited his grandmother’s house in Michigan along with his family, he met his father, who had been absent for over 15 years. This unexpected encounter stirred unresolved emotions from his past, leading him to reluctantly film his father and later create a brief documentary about their complicated relationship. However, the doctor didn’t provide Kaphar with the closure or understanding he sought; it captured their dynamic, but not how they got thus far. “The script I had been writing in my head for 15 years about what I would say to him when we met him just didn’t make any sense anymore,” he says.
Years passed, and Kaphar desired to pass on this experience to his two sons who were approaching maturity. This became the premise for the film, which tells the story of black artist Tarrell Rodin, who’s on the cusp of skilled success when his father, La’Ron, re-enters his life in a desperate try and reconcile. Starring André Holland and John Earl Jelks, the narrative reflects the artist’s life as Tarrell confronts the emotional and psychological scars of his past. Discussing the film, Kaphar explains, “I started this process because I wanted to find a way to talk to my two sons about how different my life is from theirs.”
appeared because the visual equivalent of film. They capture the essence of the film’s narrative and the emotional weight that underpins it. Each piece is full of personal items, neighborhood facades, and poignant portraits that reflect themes of absence, loss, and the load of family history. Kaphar’s mastery of mixing traditional oil painting techniques with unconventional materials similar to gold leaf and tar challenges viewers to grapple with the tensions between divine transcendence and the burdens of the past.
The striking play of colours on his large-scale canvases captures the vividness of memories, each painful and beautiful. For example, in (2023) Tytus paints an overloaded truck, symbolizing his childhood trauma. These heavy images resonate with the burden of carrying the past, the essential theme of the film and exhibition. The trucks and neighborhood houses depicted in his works turn into symbols of community, resilience, and emotional baggage that should be handled to be able to move forward.
One of probably the most fascinating paintings (2023) uses materials taken from the painting. It symbolizes each transcendence and the darkness of family wounds, fitting into the film’s climactic scene by which Tarrell reflects on his past. Kaphar’s creative decision to make use of images as an integral a part of the film – physically moving them across the screen during flashback sequences – shows how deeply intertwined these two art forms are. “If I am to create a bridge between these images and the film itself,” Kaphar states, “it is a conversation about absence. It’s a conversation about what should have been there and what wasn’t there, and how do you tell the story when there are gaps in the narrative?”
Kaphar’s involvement in filmmaking is a natural extension of his storytelling as a visible artist. He describes this process as a part of his ongoing journey of exploring recent media when the work requires it. “If you can only paint, your creativity and artistic outlet will only be paintings,” says Titus. “But if you want to learn new practices, as they say, the sky is the limit.” This philosophy led him to pursue filmmaking, allowing him to inform a story that can’t be fully conveyed through paint alone.
At the center of each the exhibition and the film is the concept of forgiveness. Kaphar makes it clear that forgiveness isn’t a few neatly wrapped, joyful ending. “Movies really want to provide a clean ending… although sometimes the reality is that we don’t have a happy ending so much as a hopeful beginning,” he reflected. His personal journey along with his father continues, and each the exhibition and the film embody this slow, often painful healing process.
transcends the boundaries of art and film, offering a raw and moving exploration of family relationships, generational trauma, and the complex path of healing. Through his art, Kaphar invites viewers to confront their very own absences, wounds and hopes for reconciliation.
Celebrity Coverage
Meghan Markle is investing in a Black-owned brand that is revolutionizing hair care products – Essence
Meghan Markle is no stranger to using her platform to support women and causes that matter, and her latest business move is no exception.
The Duchess of Sussex has officially invested High hippie levela Black-owned hair care and wellness brand co-founded by its longtime hair colorist Kadi Lee and Myka Harris.
Highbrow Hippie, which began as a lifestyle blog in 2012, has evolved into a full-blown brand that prioritizes each beauty and well-being. Their latest product line includes a scalp serum and a hair complement, each designed to handle issues corresponding to thinning hair and hormonal changes from the within. Backed by science, the road focuses on hair health in a holistic way, specializing in the basis causes of hair problems, not only the symptoms.
The partnership was officially announced on the brand launch event on November 14, 2024which took place in the Venetian Gjelina restaurant. Markle attended the ceremony with other beauty experts and presented Lee with a bouquet of roses from her Montecito garden – a thoughtful nod to their bond.
“I’m proud to invest in this [Kadi] as a friend and founder,” Meghan said in style on her investment in Highbrow Hippie: “Kadi is a master of hair health, and her Highbrow Hippie collection is a perfect reflection of that.”
For Markle, this investment is not nearly great products, but about strengthening a Black woman-owned business and showing what happens when women invest in one another. Her involvement with Highbrow Hippie is the newest example of how she is using her influence to make a significant impact in the wonder and wellness space. This is not her first time supporting women entrepreneurs – she’s constructing a portfolio of girls-led ventures, corresponding to a sustainably sourced handbag brand Cesta Collectiveand her own emerging lifestyle brand, Orchard on the American Riviera.
The co-founders of Highbrow Hippie are industry veterans, and Lee has over 25 years of experience styling a few of Hollywood’s most recognizable names. Together, she and Harris have built a brand that deeply resonates with women who see hair care as greater than just maintenance – it’s a part of their wellness journey. With products that promise fuller, healthier hair in just three months, they provide solutions for ladies fighting every little thing from postpartum shedding to emphasize-related hair loss.
Meghan’s investment speaks to a larger story: when women support women, especially in spaces where representation matters, the outcomes are transformational.
Celebrity Coverage
Love, basketball and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic winning streak – here’s why you should care – the essence
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 22: Coco Jones and Ella Mai attend the Coco Jones Tour with Ebony Riley at The Fonda Theater on August 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Interscope Records)
Listen, I understand. Basketball is probably not your thing.
But you haven’t got to be a basketball fan to understand a very good story, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are serving us one among the better of the season.
After an undefeated 15-0 start, they’re on the right track one step away from making NBA historyand tonight they’ll face the defending champion Boston Celtics in a game that got the crowd excited. But here’s the real tea: It’s not nearly basketball. We’re talking a couple of team that embraces NBA legends and gets into the same discussion as the most dominant teams we have ever seen.
First, let’s discuss star power. Cavs star Donovan Mitchell doesn’t just dominate on the court – he’s turn into the subject of great relationship speculation that has everyone talking. From the end of 2023 there are rumors about his relationship with Coco Jonesthe Grammy Award winner who first caught everyone’s attention along with her breakout role in the “Bel-Air” reboot. Their potential relationship has sent the web right into a frenzy – two rising stars at the top of their game, each breaking barriers in music and sports.
Add the Celtics star to the mix Jayson Tatum is in a relationship with one other R&B queen, Ella Maiand today’s duel suddenly aroused greater interest in us. At just 25 years old, Tatum is already carrying the weight of Boston’s basketball legacy, and we love his relationship with Mai, who was rumored to have welcomed a baby boy with Tatum over the summer. She also recently released an EP titled ‘3’ which is claimed to be dedicated to her boo.
But let’s get back to the Cavs. This team doesn’t just win – it dominates. Their 15-0 start gives them the second-best streak in NBA history, putting them in the same league as the legends. If they win tonight, they shall be 16-0 and inch closer to the all-time record set by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. With head coach Kenny Atkinson setting the record for many consecutive wins to begin his latest job, this team must rewrite what it means to take the field.
And while Donovan Mitchell leads the way on the court, let’s not forget the Cavaliers’ secret weapon: the quirky social media mascot referred to as Victory Frog. What began as a funny meme has turn into a full-fledged phenomenon, with fans crediting the cartoon amphibian with the band’s unstoppable energy. Think of it as a Cavs good luck charm and a straightforward solution to take part on social media discussions without having to know any of the basketball jargon.
Tonight, Cleveland will face its hardest challenge ever against Boston, which boasts an 11-3 record and one among the league’s brightest stars, Jayson Tatum. Tatum scores a wide ranging time beyond regulation victory, proving he knows perform under pressure and reminding everyone why he is taken into account one among the most clutch players in the league. However, with Cleveland’s historic streak and Donovan Mitchell playing a few of the best basketball of his profession, the Cavs are determined to take care of their undefeated status.
If you’re wondering why this is very important to you, consider it this fashion: sports are culture. They connect with music, fashion and social media in ways in which create shared moments. Whether it’s Coco Jones cheering for her man, fans turning the Victory Frog right into a viral sensation, or the Cavs making history in real time, there’s something about this team that feels larger than basketball. Plus, in case your man is glued to the TV tonight, you can throw in an informal query: “Did you know Donovan Mitchell is dating Coco Jones?” and he’ll think that you know something, something (or a minimum of he’ll give you a sideways look)!
So tune in or try the highlights – it is not each day you get to witness history being made. And if basketball’s still not your thing, a minimum of you know the playlist: Coco and Ella Mai don’t give a rattling.
Celebrity Coverage
Beyoncé to star in Netflix’s Christmas NFL Christmas game – Essence
Photo credit: Julian Dakdouk for Parkwood Entertainment
This holiday season, fans will have the opportunity to unwrap a vacation gift like no other: Beyoncé will take the stage at Netflix’s inaugural NFL Christmas Game on December 25. The superstar will perform during halftime of the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium at 4:30 PM ET.
Marking her return to her hometown, Ms. Knowles-Carter’s performance shall be her first live performance of songs from her genre-defying, record-breaking album. The project, which recently earned 11 Grammy nominations, is now essentially the most nominated album by a female artist in history. Produced by Parkwood Entertainment and Jesse Collins Entertainment, the halftime show guarantees to be truly spectacular.
The legendary musician announced the news through her social media account, with the easy signature: “HOUSTON, TEXAS – 12/25/24.” Beyoncé’s history in the NFL is stuffed with stories and icons. Her electrifying Super Bowl performances in 2013 and 2016 remain cultural touchstones, drawing tens of millions of viewers and cementing her status as a halftime legend.
Netflix’s holiday lineup can even feature the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers game at 1 p.m. ET, continuing the NFL’s holiday tradition of holiday games. The partnership between Netflix and the NFL signals the start of what is predicted to be an annual event, with releases scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
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