fashion revolt | Alexander II Akande Blazer Collection

We live in the consumer era, where the only thing companies want to do is sell. Even fields such as design, long held as creative and innovative, now focus largely on sales. Modern fashion is no longer about creating and being different, it is now about feeding into trends to create sales and generate profits. One designer makes a hit, everyone rushes to copy and replicate.

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La Révolte

Having grown up in Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria, DR Congo, Kenya) and Europe (U.K, France, Italy), it is easy to see the lines that divide fashion and design. European designers appropriate African themes for one-off designs and marketing campaigns, while African designers focus solely on Africa, where they feel their designs will be most appreciated in contrast to Europe, where they appear only as passing trends. Our designs merge African culture with European silhouettes. What we are trying to do is merge both worlds seamlessly and consistently, not merely as a passing trend or summer collection.The idea behind the brand, everything from the design process to the order process is simple; create value by treating customers like the individuals they are and not as sales figures and target markets.

All of our blazer pieces are handmade and custom made to measure in Cameroon, with designs limited per country. Customers get to pick their design, colour  and have the option to have their initials embroidered. Our blazers also feature traditional Cameroon prints, and we make sure not to send similar prints to the same city (just in case you run into someone wearing the same design, colour and initials!) The result is simple; you get what you want, not what you’re told to want. With that said, I’m pleased to introduce our debut piece, the Mist blazer.

interview | Laurent Impeduglia

As a fan of Laurent Impeduglia, I can relate to his chaotic expressions that provide logic to his own passionate emotions and thoughts. However, I had never come across an article that provided me an in-depth look into the reason behind the chaos. So, I took it upon myself to seek out the reason and fortunately, Laurent granted me the opportunity to do so. I cannot promise what you will or will not gain from this exuberant Belgian artist, but I can promise that his growing pains and artistic ambition, will allow you to gain something that does not reflect a price, but rather the value of creative culture.  

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B: Your introduction to art was through tragedy, which was your brother’s death. What was it about his death that motivated you to begin painting?

L: My brother died in 1990 when I was 16 years old. He was 18 years old. Today, the sorrow and his absence are still painful. We can learn to live with a death, but we are never able to recover completely. I lost all my points of reference, and that is why a part of me is still today in the remembrance of that time. His death forced me to cling to other things and to start a new life. Art gave me hope back. Nothing has changed in my determination since. On the contrary, this has enabled me to live day after day.

B: Describe your childhood and your environment growing up in Belgium.

L: I am filled with anxiety just by reading this question. I always try to live without thinking about the remembrance of my past, but it is impossible. Start a new life with people I like today would be the best solution for me. Nevertheless, I have to deal with the devils of my childhood and try to make a fresh start every day. My childhood was a succession of ordeals and wonderful memories. When I was between 4 and 6 years old, doctors discovered that I had the Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. It is an osteonecrosis of the femoral head. I was like “Forest Gump” at the beginning of the movie, when he walks with his metal braces. The memories of when I was between 5 and 7 years old are more difficult to express. Indeed, my father-in-law, Lorenzo Impeduglia, decided to take charge of my sexual arousal. Fortunately, I was “just” a victim of sexual touching. From that moment, I have felt rebellious against the world of adults and against authority. I had a lot of difficulties to communicate during my childhood. I also discovered the religion with my father-in-law because we went to the church every Sunday in order to perfect my Judeo-Christian education. Then, between my 12 and 16 years old, it was rock’n’roll! I was not introverted anymore, but very rebellious and determined to avenge the world! When I was a teenager, I smoked cannabis, but this addiction led my brother to hard drugs and the effects of heroin were devastating. He always forbade me to take drugs, just as he already knew their harmful effects. I gave up taking drugs when I entered the Royal Academy of Beaux-Arts during the winter of 1990. This school gave me a second chance in life.

B: When I view your work, I see surreal societies and landscape structures that not only captivate, but also stimulate a viewer’s mind. I’m curious to know what type of narratives do you use for your artwork?

L: It is a fact that I would not have become an artist if my brother was not dead. I learned to start over by reading diverse books and integrating influences of the 80’s, culture, video games and music. My father has always been very esoteric. He had books about occult sciences that I tried to skim through. Then I discovered the alchemy and Jacques Van Lennep’s book “Art et Alchimie” (Art and Alchemy), which explained me my images. This led me to Jérome Bosch’s work whose alchemic symbols are ubiquitous and orchestrate his work in a remarkable way. That is how I established my quest. Today, I learn a lot thanks to my girlfriend. It is a fact that she fully plays her muse role. She is very sensible and patient. She often helps me to find the reason back when I am lost in my consciousness. She also does traditional Reiki Usui and takes her inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh’s lessons, who is a Buddhist monk who has brought Buddha’s messages into the western culture.

B: The element of elevation is used in your paintings a lot, whether it’s staircases or hills. Is there emphasis of elevation in your life that allows it to transition in your artwork?

aural fixation | All We Do by Kaytranada x JMSN

It's my understanding that I had a late arrival on this young producer named Kaytranada but let's forget that aspect for a second as this track has me feeling some type of way. And yes, that's a beautiful thing. Kaytranada hails from the Canadian land and his sound is just as mature, as it is refreshing. For this track,  he linked up with another dope talent by the name of JMSN, who added a very addictive, melodic vibe to the record. I've been onto JMSN for awhile so I'm a little surprised that I missed this collaboration but better late than never. If you're into the soulful, dubstep movement then this will definitely appeal to you.   

curator's note | My Love for Art

Art has long been a subtle yet powerful aspect of my life. Since the tender age of seven, I became attracted to both visual and performing arts. The reason for that is that I was never the kid who was great at verbal expression, so my expressive outlet always delivered itself in a type of art form.  I would dance, write poetry (or rap…Yes, music is a big part of my life too), and even draw and paint. It was my passion for art, which allowed me to accept the fact that I’m human. I think I learned this because a canvas, stage, or a notebook doesn't restrict you; in fact, they do the complete opposite because they each allow your emotions and thoughts to roam as freely as your creativity will allow. That feeling alone is what made me fall in love with art.  It irks the shit out of me when I come across people discouraging painters, graffiti artists, lyricists, photographers, dancers, etc. because if you hate the art or refuse to respect the art that these artists create, then what are you saying about the world around you? Art is everywhere. Earth is a work of art within itself. In addition, art is therapy. It’s an artist’s pain, happiness, confusion, turmoil, excitement, anger, and a bunch of other uncontrollable emotions we encounter. I mean, even if you don’t like art, how can you not respect the fact that it is a product of that artist’s truth? But, I guess that’s just the problem with my generation. People will only fuck with it, if it’s sugarcoated and wrapped up in fame, glamour, and shining lights. That’s a topic for another day though. Either way, I’m fascinated with art because Art matured me into the person I am today. It’s even saved my life, as well as other people’s lives. So, how could I ever repel away from Art? Well, I can’t afford to. Art is my life and I treat it as such. 

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A special two words to all of the readers, contributors, supporters, and interviewees who have helped this site continuously mature: Thank You. I hope that as you all witness the upcoming growth, you'll realize it's our growth. 

B. 

digital concept | Human Supply: An Original + Interactive Series

I find innovative and creative content very intriguing (as most of you know) so when filmmaker, Allen Hu, of The Gang Productions, brought The Gang’s new television series, Human Supply, to my attention...it definitely piqued my interest. While I watched the first episode, I found myself engaged into the show as if it’s already had its prime-time television debut. The plot is refreshing, stimulating and suspenseful and even includes a viewer interaction element. It’s projects such as this that give me hope that originality is not a void in the realms of entertainment, and I think that you all will share a similar opinion.  Check out a synopsis of the series below and continue on to watch the first episode of Human Supply. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. Also, if you desire, you can help to further the show’s series by making a contribution at the link below the visual. 

Human Supply is the story about what happens seven years after the wealthiest people on Earth devise a way to make themselves indestructible Immortals. Unfortunately for the every day people they rule over, these Immortals must feed on humans in order to maintain their newfound state of being. Life for ninety-nine percent of the population remains much the same, except there are no longer dreams of wealth and power, only the hope of remaining mediocre long enough to ensure you don’t get noticed and subsequently devoured. 

Show your support for Human Supply: An Original + Interactive Series by clicking here. 

behind the canvas | Kelsey Brookes

Curiosity's important because it's the engine for everything. If you're not curious, you have nothing to do...nothing to say - as stated by Kelsey Brookes. 

It's always a pleasure to be provided a glimpse into an eccentric artist's mental space. I've been a fan of Kelsey Brookes for a couple of years now and if it's one thing that I admire about his work, it's that it invites every viewer onto a travelling mindfuck each time that it's viewed. I'm always appreciative of his mental stimulation. Thanks to Rogier Postma, we were able to witness the mind behind Kelsey's canvas and gain a better understanding about his artistry. 

Source: Rogier Postma

new music | Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe, The Remix

The original piece of this classic has its own lane but the deliverance of Mr. Lamar’s new verses placed an additive into the track that overrides any line Mr. Carter conjured up. Yes, Hov is one of the greats but it’s clear that there is no match for the poetically inclined lyricist that is Kendrick Lamar. In fact, Kendrick could have remixed Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe simply by featuring himself. Fuck what any Jay-Z stan thinks or feels about that, as I’m only stating audible fact.

interview | Tony Concep

Image Credit: Tokio 

Since my first introduction to the name Tony Concep through Sean Bono's ArtBattles competition, I was highly impressed by his plethora of talents in the arts. He is an innovator and creative visionary that not only invests his mind into his artwork, but also a deep-rooted passion.  I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to explore the mind of this visual artist/designer and it is a pleasure for me to share with you all the Concept…behind Tony Concep.

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B: Describe the adolescent period of your life. 

T: My adolescent period of life was the blueprint for how I judge whether I make the right or the wrong decisions.  I was an only child that was very imaginative and observant. My mother and my grandparents raised me during my early years in New Orleans, LA.  I spent my High School years in Charleston, SC, and it was there I regained a relationship with my father, who resides in Maryland.  I studied the adults around me as a child and I often compare my past to my present realizing that I came from a crazy background and should always be thankful of how far I made it in life.

B: What motivated Tony Brown into becoming Tony Concep? (What made you want to become an artist?

T: What motivated me early in life to become an artist was primarily film, television, and New Orleans. I watched movies like Beat Street (the old NY B-Boy film) which really inspired me to write graffiti and embrace the art of hip-hop.  TV [shows] like the old Bob Ross shows where he would paint an entire painting in a half hour and I’d try to emulate him with my crayons.  New Orleans…is just filled with art; my earliest memories would be enjoying the floats in the Mardi Gras parades and wanting to paint them or admiring the colors.

B: How were each of your talents as a dancer, painter, and designer discovered and when?

T: My grandmother was the jack of all [trades], she had me dancing in the house all of the time and she sometimes drew the local newscasters on the TV on her homemade easel. I grew up thinking everybody did art and danced.  I figured out I was pretty good at it towards middle school by doing talent shows and competing with classmates [via] drawing popular cartoon characters.

B: You are originally from New Orleans, but attended schools in Florida, and then Brooklyn. What was the most interesting aspect of that traveled journey?

T: Traveling has allowed me to see the differences in people regionally and hold on to the best qualities of every place I visit.  I wouldn't change growing up in the south for anything; there I found my inner soul and integrity.  The North showed me more of how to become a go-getter and a hustler.

B: How important was it to complete your Bachelors in Film Animation to accompany your talents as a visual artist? Also, do you think aspiring artists need to also add formal education to complement their talents?

T: This is a tough subject for me, considering myself and many of my friends work predominately in fields outside of our major and owe large sums of money to college loan sharks.  My immediate opinion to aspiring artists would be…you don’t necessarily need to go to the most expensive school to earn a degree but do get some formal training.  Research what your interests are and find an outlet to learn it without creating lifelong debt.  I have worked at major companies with artists having the same title as mine, that graduated out of junior colleges, and spent a quarter of what I did to earn my art degree ya’heard.

B: One of your collections that I found truly enticing was the Gunshow collection. It was not only the artwork itself but also your creative process because you were so invested into the final product. You conjured up new fonts, textures, and typography to use in your work that would enhance your vision. How was the inspiration for the Gunshow collection born? 2) What was its significance to you?

T: The Gunshow is a collection I birthed last year here in Los Angeles after my move from Brooklyn.  In all honesty, I became intrigued with the idea of Gun art through a visit to Maryland to see my father.  He is a collector of guns and I have been around pistols throughout my life coming up in the Carolina’s where most of my homeys had pistols on the kitchen table like centerpieces.  The beauty is bitter sweet, guns control us, and they can be decision makers, game changers, and symbols of power.  My goal was to shed light on something we tend to take for granted here in the states until tragedy strikes.  I find my feelings to be greatly in consternation about guns considering maybe we should have them and maybe we should not.  It has always been my goal to bring beauty to the ugly and idea to the thoughtless.  Typography and messages go hand in hand, so it’s been a natural progression to use the two as I continue to explain my mixed love and hate for the most powerful tool in America.

creative wisdom | Abe Burmeister

Regardless of the type of creative path you are currently pursuing, it is always helpful to be reminded that anyone has the opportunity to create something from nothing. Abe Burmeister, the creative mind behind Outlier performance clothing, briefly shared his story about how he was inspired by a void he felt existed in the current fashion market, which led him to fill the void himself. I cannot say I am a fan of his brand but I have quickly become an admirer of his ambition. Check out his wisdom below.

Source: PSFK

artistically correct | Disillusioned Youths

See More Than Just What You See. 

Artwork by Meghan Howland