ISSUE 04
FEAT EWOKGIA
PHOTOGRAPHY FASHION ARTS MUSIC
CONTENT
CLASSICS 08 12 44 46 51 68 14 18 26 30 36 44 54 56 58 60 64
TRENDING FASHION TRENDING SNEAKER STYLE MY VINTAGE STREET WEAR PLAYLIST REVIEW BEAUTY
FEATURES
MAZEMAG CULTURE TAKE LIIT PHOTOGRAPHY TYLER STYLE ADAM SMALL EWOKGIA WANDA LEPHOTO CLEOSOL KUMNANDI ROBIN THIRDFLOOR JEAN MICHEL BASQUIET KEV7
ISSUE 04
Welcome back into yet another issue of Mazemag. Mazemag Issue 4. Words cannot describe our gratitude towards you all for all the love and support that you continuously have shown us. As you may know, Mazemag is an online magazine that focuses on the acknowledging talents of the fashion, music and arts industries. If you’re a new reader, kindly feel welcomed into a publication of nothing but artistry.
THE TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF DEPUTY EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Mercedez Dlikilili Kim Barendse Lindo Msibi
SPECIAL THANKS EWOKGIA (Covered) Mercedez Dlikilili Kim Barendse FASHION Suicidal Eyewear (Kim Barendse) STREET WEAR Mercedez Dlikilili FASHION FEATURES Tumi Matha Adam Small Liit Photography Wanda LePhoto
ART FEATURES Jean Michel Basquiat Kevin Ngwenya MUSIC FEATURES Cleosol Kumnandi Robin Thirdfloor BEAUTY Gabriella Garza Miss Amani
ISSUE 4!!! As a creative, I believe that the streets and objects surrounding us influence our everyday lifestyles especially in the creative industries. Street culture has been a term used to emphasize on the statement that I have stated. However, it is very important to have a clear understanding as to how to live by this title “Street Culture”. If you separate these words, you’ll understand that the word “street”, taken from Google lol, means ‘a public road in a city, town or village typically with houses and buildings on one side or both sides’. Also, the word “culture”, also taken from Google context means ‘the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievements regarded collectively’. Most individuals these days say that they are for the “culture” or say phrases like “Let’s take it to the streets. Let’s do it for the culture” but aren’t quite sure as to what exactly is the culture. Therefore, in this issue, we get deep into finding out what makes a “culture” or specifically, the “street culture”. Thank you so much for reading. Until next issue.
Mercedez Editor in Chief xx
EDITORS TAKE: OUR INTERPRETATION OF THE WORD “K/CULTURE” AND STREET CULTURE
MERCEDEZ DLIKILI (FOUNDER/EDITOR IN CHIEF):
KIM BARENDSE (DEPUTY EDITOR):
Lately, we’ve seen and heard that the words “culture”
Street culture subconsciously influences the way
or “street culture” have an influence in almost every
we perceive the world and how we live our lives
individual in their lives. We hear different artists, “cool
to a certain degree. I grew up in the 90’s where
kids” and even at events, everyone saying “Let’s do
the culture was different to today’s culture. In my
it for the Culture” or “We are the Culture” and yet
opinion, back then it was more original though in
some individuals aren’t even quite sure as to what this
a sense that everyone followed their own path
“Culture” is or how and where it was invented. We’re
whereas today I see a lot of similarities between
also aware of the popular trap group, Migos, naming
individuals and certain brands. Everyone is a
their recent albums “Kulture” and “Kulture II”.
One
creative in their own way but it’s become the “in”
can honestly say that they brought the idea of “K/
thing to be in the arts or entertainment field and
Culture” but really, honestly the concept of Culture
no, I’m not the gatekeeper of the arts world but
and street culture, especially in music, specifically
be your authentic self, don’t do something just
the hip-hop culture and street culture originated in
because someone else is doing it or to become
the 90s era mainly dominating in New York. However,
famous when you know that’s not what you’re
we can go deeply and explain the word “Culture”
about, you’re going to fall flat on your face! (I could
by elaborating that it is a movement in which a
go on but Mercedez gave me a five-line limit lol).
certain group follows and that becomes a lifestyle. Even though a culture is supposed to be a guidance of what your identity is, sadly individuals lately have lost that important aspect of the culture and just follow whatever a specific artist is doing and saying and not even having a clear concept of what it is
#MAZETRENDINGFASHION
Sunnies Whatever the season may be, one should defos own a neat pair of sunnies to match the outfit.
FOCUS ON:
TUMI Having a glasses accessory range that has been worn by the likes of Sho Majozi, Sjava, just to name a few, we got the opportunity to interview the glasses goddess, Tumi Matha about her unique style and glasses range.
WHAT INSPIRED SUICIDAL EYEWEAR? Suicidal eyewear was founded when I was going on a very dark phase in my life. I was suffering with depression and anxiety and lacked self confidence. During this phase, I couldn’t really leave the house because of my anxiety. Wearing sunglasses made me feel invisible and for some weird reason it helped build up my confidence.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD AN AFFINITY FOR SUNGLASSES? Yes, I’ve always had an affinity for accessories growing up and for some reason I was more gravitated to sunglasses.
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT CHOOSING THE PERFECT SUNGLASSES FOR YOUR BUSINESS? I’m obsessed with bold statement designs and always chose designs that are edgy and “futuristic”.
DO CURRENT TRENDS HAVE A BIG INFLUENCE ON THE SUNGLASSES YOU DECIDE TO STOCK AT SUICIDAL EYEWEAR? I think it is highly important to create and stay on trend. We try to always think outside of the box and provide the coolest designs.
HOW MANY PAIRS OF SUNGLASSES ARE IN YOUR OWN COLLECTION? We currently have about 18 different designs ranging from different sizes with different colors.
WHAT IS THE PAIR OF SUNGLASSES WE SHOULDN’T BE SEEN WITHOUT RIGHT NOW? The bigger the frame, the better. Big sunglasses are definitely a must this year.
SUICIDIAL EYEWEAR WORN BY SJAVA & SHO MAJOZI
#MAZETRENDINGSNEAKER THE ORIGINS “The Fila brand was named after brothers whose surname was Fila, in which opened their �irst shop in Biella, a small town in the foothills of northern Italy. They had no idea how far their legacy would travel. In 1923, the brothers of�icially established the expanding family-run textile business as a high quality knitwear manufacturing company. Originally in the business of creating quality textiles for local townspeople, the brothers sought to produce fabrics that combined luxury, art, and utility, drawing inspiration from their homeland to create product exquisitely. A century after its humble beginnings, Fila has become synonymous with performance and sophistication.” - Source, www.fila.com
The sneaker has made a come back with this make, the Fila Disruptor. The Disruptor has been featured in Barneys’ and Urban Out�itter’s window during its debut in 1992 and has been produced ever since. When the Italy-based Fila Company �irst produced the Disruptor, it was classi�ied under the company’s “Strada” aka street division because of its crossover lifestyle appeal. Before, the Disruptor only speci�ied to one color, being it white. Nowadays, the Disruptor ranges with different pastel colors as well as also creating a metallic range, metallic gold and silver. The pastel and metallic ranges were previewed at Agenda Show in Las Vegas in August 2017 and was rolled out at boutiques and retailers in October. As per usual, we like acknowledging some of the fashionistas in which rock our trending sneakers. Check out how these individuals style in the Disruptor.
I F L A
MAZEMAG CULTURE TAKE
By Siboniso Matitsa
C
ulture is a way of life that defines a particular group of people and their way of life. Possessing the ability of creativity has given certain individuals the rare privilege to express their way of life through art. Each person on earth has a soul and the soul has a mind of its own, artists are individuals who are enabled to skilfully express the minds of souls through music, fashion and other various forms of art. Artists in this day and age are viewed as weird people living in the realm of illusions. It is up to the artists to rise above their potential and try to understand the true concept of culture & art, in order to balance the way of life in this modern era. Art is a dynamic force which supremely governs the way we express ourselves. The artists need to elevate the world into a dimension controlled, influenced and shaped by art as it was in the days of old, rather than the world influenced by technology; which is a recent and artificial element to our lives.Even though technology may propel us forward it will not elevate us as beings, the real you is the person you are within and art focuses on the internal aspect of a person which governs the external components of life in regards to the matters of expression. On the other hand other elements that shape society in this modern era such as technology only focus on the external which has minimal contribution towards the real wellbeing of a person which is internal.
In the late 1980’s and 90’s a cultural & art movement was born, it was called Hip Hop; it was popularly known for tackling major social ills and political injustice. Hip Hop has lost its fundamental attributes over the decades thus proving to be effective less in terms of bulldozing the social ills that plague modern civilisation; the milestone achievements attained by this movement have easily been forgotten and is deemed as bad influence. There is a desperate need for artists to arise above their potential in this shifting and evolving world; there is much that needs to be done in order for art to be in the pecking order once again.
Music, fashion, photography, performing arts and other forms of art are major platforms where the public seeks identity, belonging and acceptance into the clan of ‘cool’ and the current pursued way of life. If art is in the pecking order again and with the artists with a clear understanding of the concept of culture; the way of life which is lived now will be much better and every person will not be afraid to be themselves regardless of the critics or challenges that arise within the formed structure of society. In the world of art contentment is an alien concept, however artists nowadays are sleeping on the same level for days without any much elevation or upgrade in their execution of portraying their craft and exercising their skill in a world with so many possibilities, opportunities and a society craving for identity, belonging and self-awareness.
The current crop of artists need to rise above their potential set standards in a world ruled by technology which is a recent factor of human life, the advancement of technology is at its early developmental stage and artists are not using the provided opportunity to own the world stage through means of technology that make it easy to produce, market and sell. A standard needs to be set by artists for the world, if the world continues to head towards the direction it is headed to currently, then the future generation is bound to be disastrous in terms of matters of expression. The likes of Pablo Picasso, Yousuf Karsh, Elvis Presley, Ralph Lauren and many other iconic artists who rose above the occasion despite the limited resources back in the days unlike us who have vast technological means of producing, executing and marketing our art. What standard are we setting for the next generation as artists?
LIIT PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE FASHION WORLD, PHOTOGRAPHY PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN CAPTURING THE AMAZING TRENDS AND DIFFERENT STYLES. WE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW LOANNE II TRAN. AN UPCOMING FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER; WHOSE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE CONNECTING WITH THE CULTURE. THE FASHION CULTURE.
#MAZEMAGFASHION
Founder of liit photography: Loanne ii tran My name is Loanne II Tran; ironically my initials spell out LIIT, which my friends and I had found funny. Therefore, as a joke, we named my little photography page after my initials, and before I knew it, it had stuck. At the time, I loved everyone knowing my name but later on in my life I had realized how grateful I was to go by my initials. It gives a sense of mystery to those who have stumbled upon my photography, not knowing who I am personally, which leads to an unbiased view of my artwork. I grew up as an athlete who believed my dreams and passions were dedicated to playing football (soccer) until one day at the cabin, I had slipped on a few rocks in the water and instead of allowing my camera to submerge into the water to catch my fall. I landed on my back with my arms high above the water praying that the droplets of water wouldn’t damage my camera and from that moment on. I knew my passions were with photography.
What intrigued your passion for wanting to venture into the photography industry? It has always been my mission to become a voice for those that have struggled in the same way that I have. I want to represent others who have experienced situations such as rape culture, depression, bullying and cultural suppression. I love being able to show my ideas through creative outlets such as photography. All of my photography experiences have been based on working with people. Without realizing, I began to become infatuated around the subject of fashion and fine art. The common factor that fashion and fine art has is the art of communication. I am able to speak towards my audience and project a message behind each and every piece that I create and in the future I hope I am able to find balance between the two.
FOUNDER OF LIIT PHOTOGRAPHY: LOANE II TRAN
Elaborate on the first fashion event you photographed at and how was the experience. My very first fashion event was at a fashion show last year in Winnipeg, Manitoba called “For The Kids”, which was run by our local designers: Adam Smallwood, Jerome Manguba and Galata. I was given the opportunity to photograph the runway models. It was an impactful learning experience for me as I learned alternative techniques as well as learned the right equipment to use. My most recent event was a fashion/art show called, “The Millennial”, which featured several different artists from painters, to performers to designers. The comparison of my skill level from my first fashion show to my most recent was skyrocketing which makes me ridiculously happy on my improvement within a year of constant work.
Elaborate on the first photograph that you captured My first fashion shoot was of this photography above in which included a local blossoming model and friend of mine, Tayvian. It was taken at a carnival fair in a tiny parking lot of a hardware store. We didn’t carry the intention of making it into something serious but it was the first spark of my creativity towards things such as fashion. I had gone home and began to edit the photographs for fun and I had found myself going back to the photos and playing around with them and before I knew it, it became the first photo to start my journey to finding my groove and style. It wasn’t a photo shoot that I had taken weeks to plan but the significance behind it was that it had shown the potential I carried within myself.
How does candid photography play a role in your fashion photography arts and industry? The one thing about working with people is that many try to carry a facade and attempt to be perceived in a different manner. The one thing I enjoy the most about candid photography is that I am able to capture these people in their most natural and truest nature. I try to look for models that are able to work with each fashion piece while still being able to maintain their true identity, which I believe, speaks best when it comes to fashion. This creates more of a realistic yet euphoric atmosphere in each photograph.
Some photographers prefer taking candid photographs while others prefer conceptualizing before even handling their devices. Between the two, kindly tell us how do you operate and express your art.
I would describe myself as both candid as well as a conceptualizing photographer. If I have a vision that carries a very important message, then I will take months in preparation that specific project where I think about every single detail no matter how minor it is. Some of my best work has come from candid photo-shoots. There is something unique about candid photography. I am able to capture people in their own element in order to create real experiences.
What’s your understanding on the interpretation of the culture nowadays? How would you say the culture has an influence in photography as well as photography having an influence in the culture? With all the chaos and crap going on in the world right now I think that our culture is focused on trying to be more understanding and see other peoples point of views. Through photography you showcase different experiences and views visually for everyone to experience and understand and I think the pain and the sorrow as well as the joy and good things that happen in our culture comes through in your work and shapes my photography as a whole.
What’s your take on the evolution of the photography culture; in that it is more accepting to women now than it did back then? Personally, I try to not look in the far past when it comes to issues like that. I’m grateful for the several female photographers who have paved the way for me and make it socially acceptable for females to be as equal as males, but if I’m too occupied dwelling in the past then how am I able to continue contributing making the culture a better version of itself? I’m proud to be female, but I don’t see it as something crazy important on what my sex/gender is. What matters most is the outcome of my work, not who the person is behind the camera.
Which fashion brands would you like to photograph for in the near future? Why that/those particular brand/s? I’ve always admired the work of Gucci. They’re constantly surprising me with new creative work and always kept originality within their brand. I would learn and gain incredible knowledge by simply being surrounded by the brand which I’d be able to incorporate within my own works. A goal I do have in mind is to be able to photograph for the front cover of The Fader. I believe that the style of photography I’m working up to fits within the category of their style and it is a great goal to work up to. As cheesy as this sounds, I really do hope I carry out more opportunities to photograph Adam Smallwood’s fashion pieces. We both started out together during the early stages of our inspirations and I’d like to see us travel towards the peak and end point together cause between the two of us, if there is anyone who will hit the big cities and change the sight of fashion, Adam will be one of many who lead us to a new era.
In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?
I feel like I mention this a lot but story lines are very important to me as you’re supposed to make an idea from your mind come to physical proof within the photograph. More along the lines of fashion photography, a photograph that you’re able to stare at during any given moment of the day and not grow tired of it shows it’s a good photograph. You want photographs to be complex and intrigue the audience, as the longer they look into the photo the more of understanding they gain from it.
Apart from fashion photography, what else do you like capturing and why? I really enjoy doing fine art photography that involves more of a story base, which allows me to carry out a greater voice to my audience. I feel that it’s important to cast a permanent image in my audiences’ mindset with each photograph. Whenever they encounter anything around the subject line, it’s my goal to make sure that my work instantly pops into their minds as a sense of connection or reference.
What are the hardships you’ve encountered thus far in the industry and how did you overcome them? The biggest one I’ve overcome was definitely the social aspect about photography. I’ve always been known to be a social butterfly but within a different crowd. I’d call it my safe space. Photography had pushed me out of that nest and if I didn’t learn how to fly in time, my face would definitely be face down in the dirt. I’m easily intimidated by others work because all I can do is awe others work. I’ve never been the type to bash on others in order to gain more respect for myself but going to different photoshoots and meeting all of these artists that I’ve admired from the sidelines gets me shaking in my boots all the time so being able to push past those boundaries and step into a whole new world was scary, but a fresh breath of air as I began to realize that many around me were weighing me down with their toxicity for my work as they just saw it as a hobby and didn’t support me the way that my new friends do.
In conclusion, kindly share words of encouragement for individuals wanting to venture into the fashion photography industry.
I grew up as the youngest in a “fob” family. My parents have worked so hard to give my sisters and I the education and benefits they give us now. When I first told them about my final decision of pursuing photography, they definitely freaked and thought it was a phase but instead of caving into what they wanted me to do in life, I proved to my parents that I can make it in life with photography and was serious. They had the best intentions of telling me no as they’re worried that I’d be struggling financially but I made the choice and accepted the risks. I’m still a tiny grain in the sea of sand but I refuse to be undermined. I think it gets so easy to doubt yourself when you get caught up in the noise of what everybody else has to say. It always comes back to reminding yourself why you do it & what’s really important to you. We have a responsibility to tell our stories, share what we see with the world, and pave a way for those after us. Others just can’t relate to the passion and dedication artists have and believe that art is not a pathway to success or seen as a socially acceptable job. It’s up to artists like you (Mazemag) to build that platform for the future generations of artists to show that it is possible to follow your heart and dreams. Us, artists, make the world look a little bit less ugly and others fail to pay attention to detail because their mindset isn’t like ours. It’s important to stay true to you and your own style of art instead of caving in on jumping onto the bandwagon but it’s okay if you do appreciate a trend, as long as you’re able to twist it into becoming YOUR art and not someone else.
TYLER $ TYLER
$TYLE $TYLE
B
eing able to tackle everything to do with visual creativity, from photography to videography to being a designer of clothes etc., Tyler $tyle is an epitome of being able to do anything and everything you want to accomplish in any industry. Although having to embark in the creative industry, Tyler does not describe himself as a creative but as a spiritual being having creative experience. He however created a brand named after him, Tyler $tyle. “When I was 12 y/o, my little sister was taken away to Bulgaria so I moved to Vegas and got my first camera to film my friends skating. After 4-5 years of that, I was then working for Tony Hawks’ ride channel and a brand called Thrasher for a few times. Thanks to my friend Addie Fridy, I ended up losing a bunch of footage and taking a different direction.”, he says. The culture has a way of playing a role in a creative’s life to help gather inspiration and understanding of what is happening around us, creatively. ”I think everything is inspired from something; like if I put a beautiful sentence together that was created by me but I still had to be taught the words to make it senseable. I feel the word “culture” is too vague. I feel like word movement fits better than the word culture. Therefore, the only way the movement of the fashion world has an influence on me. I just do the opposite and try to make people happy. I put my feelings on shirts so the whole world can feel me.” Having being related to South Side 808 Mafia, Tyler had designed some clothing for him. “I filmed VHS videos of his life and I asked if I could shoot him in it. I grew up in the jerk dance movement so working with him was natural. I have also worked with Lucy Ford, a painter from L.A, who has done more than many in her short life span. I met her through a fan and in my party phase of life, we clicked and after we worked together on a few things. I’ve also work with Harley Suarez. He’s like one of the faces of Levis; if you go to any major store you’ll see my boy front and center.”
Tyler tweeted Suarez before he ever modeled when he was like 15 y/o and said “you’ll make it one day” and now indeed Suarez is doing major gigs. “I’ve worked with countless other people like Fredo Santana, Rip (my boy he was a genuine), No Jumper, Tanner Fox etc.” Dealing with hardships such as being homeless, sleeping on the beach, doing drugs and being lost at a point in his life, Tyler never gave up on finding his purpose and fulfilling his dreams at the same time knowing exactly what he wanted which was a better life. “When you are fighting the fight of life; it’s good vs evil and when you fight with evil you always got to watch your back. You get to a point you call the cross roads where you ask yourself ,”Do I wanna be shitty forever or do I wanna step the fuck up and take the right path?”. Luckily, I choose the right way because I’m here talking to you, Mazemag. If I didn’t change my life, I’d probably be dead by now.” Tyler also describes his hardships as an influence for his passion in his craft. “I heard this at a skate park in Atlanta; the guy said ,”If you paint a picture and you only know english then when you go to paint a stroke you can only say “faster” but when your bilingual you can say “rapido” which opens up a whole new world and way to go about your art”. I took that further than just speaking and took it into universal language in a way if you do something that has nothing to do with your type of work but still learn it. It can help you create a different world in your craft. That’s why I do anything; whether it’s a country concert or whatever.” The young talent motivates others with words of inspiraton by saying, “If you want something, simply go get it. if you don’t have it then you never wanted it that bad. That applies to more than just art. It applies to love and life in general. If you want Heaven, it’s yours if you don’t then we both know why. Tyler save the youth lead earth I’m out.” �
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N SHIO A F T EA ER A GR S DESIGN E D O Y MA USTRY. A GE T D A A P E D AL XT HAS UT THE IN THE NE M A AD ON BO Y/O, LEDGE A EADING 8 1 F R GE O AR KNOW NTINUE A E H S CLE ST T A. CO AT JU D AND HA M CANAD ALENT. T R O RECO RTIST FR IS YOUNG H A AND OW T N K TO GET
Unraveling his career path at just the
age of 14, Small created an apparel line he called “Atomik Studios”, where he would release limited runs of t-shirts and caps to his following on social media. As the brand grew, it started to shift further away from traditional street wear, introducing more hand crafted cut and sew garments as well a new narrative that tailored to other artists and creatives. Later at 16 y/o, Adam started to expand his personal brand by creating handmade garments with the intent of getting his work seen by a more exclusive crowd (celebrities, artists, musicians etc.). He started posting his designs on Instagram and twitter under the hashtag #CreationsByAdam and slowly built a following, and gaining recognition for being “that kid who makes clothes”. As #CreationsByAdam progressed, he started to introduce more mediums than just fashion, and would release some of his paintings and visual artworks. Adam now works on a wide range of projects, from creating collections with Atomik Studios, to his most ambitious endeavour, an unconventional runway show in collaboration with Galata Fira called “For the Kids” which included 60 hand crafted garments as well as musical performances, live art, and dance.
“I was always drawn to clothing and from a very young age. Being a hip hop dancer, I always looked up to the guys who had the freshest shoes or who looked the most put together, so my earliest inspirations came from hip hop and once I discovered street wear in middle school I was hooked. Since I’ve always been a creative kid, and I’ve always loved clothes, so fashion seemed like a good medium for me to try and pursue. It’s literally art you can wear, and you can express yourself through it on a daily basis.”
Art has always played a huge role in his life, even before fashion came into play. Having an artistic dad, the artistic genes de�initely got passed onto Adam. “When I’m designing clothes I often approach the process as if it was an art piece. I really value the silhouette and lines and colour palette of a garment and I take a lot of pride in the attention to detail of those elements. I can often be inspired by a painting or art installation that I see and try to translate those ideas across mediums.”
Culture is anything that is invented and has been followed by many people through it then becoming a tradition. Today, we see that word “culture” has been emphasised more to being associated with the fashion and especially the arts industries. “I feel the word “culture” gets used to much in the wrong context. My understanding is that “culture” is a collection of transitions and ideas from a group of people. In the context we’re talking about right now, it’s the collection of art and ideas from all relevant creatives, and (because of social media) some ideas from people who aren’t as relevant or know as others. For me, it’s important to stay up to date with what’s going on in the world of art and fashion, because that’s how you stay fresh and current. I always try to stay aware of what’s “in”, even if I don’t follow those trends. Culture shapes art, and art shapes culture, so it’s very much a push and pull on both ends. Having to dress amazing artist, Russ, Adam explains that the moment was so surreal to him and especially in the growth of his career. “It was insane for me to see someone wear a jacket that I had made in my attic, with a $100k watch. But what happened was I saw that meet and greet tickets for his Winnipeg show were relatively cheap, so I
ended up buying them and instead of getting the regular sel�ie and autograph, I handed him the jacket. He loved it and ended up taking down all of my information. I guess the moral of the story is that you have to shoot all the shots that you possibly can! You never know what opportunities will come from those simple interactions.” Last year, Adam also designed a piece with Galata Fira for Big Lean, who opened for Drake on his Boy Meets World tour, as well as a piece for Sean Leon, who in his opinion is one of the dopest upcoming rappers/artists coming out of Toronto. Both opportunities came through a connect that they have who does branding work for Reebok and is very well connected to the music scene in Toronto. “I have such a long list of people who I’d like to work with. Obviously it would be a dream to work with moguls like Raf and Virgil, who have both had a major impact on me as a designer. But I also look up to a lot of artists and creatives outside of fashion. Elie, who is most commonly known for his photography work for The Weeknd and Selena Gomez, is a big inspiration of mine. He has basically taken over the game in his medium and has done it in a way that hasn’t sacri�iced his creativity in any way. And he’s so young. Like 21 I think, so you can see why I would look up to him, since I just turned 18.” Like all creatives and artists, Adam wants to work on multiple things and not to be tied down to one speci�ic job in the industry. “The goal is to have the freedom to work on as many independent projects as I can, and work with as many brands/people as I can. I just want to be creative and make things. That’s it.”
Starting a brand is always hard, and it’s still hard. There are so many challenges that Adam has faced and even still faces right now. It’s always apart of growth being able to have challenges. “I’m still a student, not a expert. But one of the hardest parts for me in the beginning was people not taking me seriously. I started Atomik when I was 14, and nobody thought that I would get past the �irst run of printed t-shirts that I made. And �inding production and resources to use, it’s very easy to get taken advantage of. It took me a long time before I even �igured out how to craft an email that sounded somewhat professional. So learning how to present myself in a con�ident way at a young age, without coming across arrogant, was a challenge for me. Anyone who wants to be a creative professional in any industry, especially fashion, it’s important that you know yourself very well. Know your strengths and weaknesses, know what you thrive at, and try to �ind your own voice. Ask yourself questions like: What are you going to contribute to the industry? What do you have to share? Once you know yourself, get to work. Experiment, test, and make things. Don’t be afraid to lose, it’s going to happen a lot, and anyone who’s ever “made it” has had a long journey to get to that point. Lastly, I’ll say that talking to other people with the same drive as you is so important. Reach out to people you look up to, ask to work for free, until you’re good enough to work for money. If you’re creative, talented and you work hard, the possibilities are endless.”
“Since I’ve always been a creative kid, and I’ve always loved clothes, so fashion seemed like a good medium for me to try and pursue. It’s literally art you can wear, and you can express yourself through it on a daily basis.”
E WO KG I A Photographer: Nashiralotus
EWOKGIA IS OUR AMAZING COVER FOR THIS ISSUE. CURRENTLY RESIDED IN NYC, SHE EXPRESSES BEING A SURVIVALIST FOR INDIGENOUS RIGHTS, A SNAKE LOVER AND AN AMAZING ARTIST. WE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW GIA AND HOW SHE DISCOVERED HER IDENITY AND IS EMBRACING IT.
You are involved in so many interesting �ields, one of them being snakes. What attracted you to snakes? “My �irst memory with snakes was one I considered to be a traumatic one, but of course being older and more understanding of the circle of life I no longer see it as such. I always felt a love for all things that were misunderstood, because I felt this way about myself.”
How many snakes do you currently have? Do you plan on getting more anytime soon? “Currently, I have ten snake companions, some of which were gifted to me or I have adopted over the years. I don’t have a plan in getting anymore but I never turn down a companion who �inds their way to me.”
Is there a lot of maintenance in looking after you snakes? “It all depends on the species of the snake honestly, but my companions are not a lot of maintenance - they are fed, bathed and their enclosures are cleaned on a schedule. They are often handled and have full range to roam in a safe space as well.”
What was your community’s initial reaction to your snakes? “Unfortunately, there has been a lot of stigma surrounding snakes in general for many years. I’ve had both negative and positive reactions towards my comfort with snakes. Thankfully, I’ve also been able to break through these irrational fears people have towards snakes, as well as offer basic education and I am always open to questions people may have about them.”
What spiritual signi�icance do the snakes represent or encapsulate to you? “Snakes are teachers, often teaching renewal and rebirth. Snakes have been around for centuries; they have been looked upon as sacred, but also have been demonized. The snake encapsulates to me closeness to the earth, living in trees or in the ground. Empowerment and evolution are two words I often think of when I think of serpents and their place in my life.”
Do you practice sacred medicine? “There are many aspects of serpent medicine I incorporate in my life. It is not often I can attend a medicine ceremony or a ceremony in general but I do �ind the time to sing, cry and pray to my ancestors, give them offerings, listen to them and practice what I’ve learned thus far daily and teach my daughter as well.”
avargasphoto
Photographer: Alberto Vargas
What do you think snakes can teach people if they were more open to them? “Snakes could teach you many things, especially individually. Snakes have taught me a lot about pushing through pain, they have taught me to honor the cycle of my being and to trust the unknown. They have also taught me self care in a way, it’s very easy to forget about yourself especially for myself being a mother, living with “mental illness “ and trauma, and also putting people before myself, but that ultimately can not survive without the foundation of care I need to give myself.”
If there was a perception about snakes that society has that you could cancel out what would it be? “All snakes are aggressive. Snakes are more afraid of us and �lee given the chance. Snakes strike to protect themselves, just as any animal that feels threatened and has no other way to communicate that. Snakes are docile and shy, very observant as well.“
You’re also into another practice that’s perhaps frowned upon by mainstream society which is body suspension, what does body suspension mean to you and how did you get involved with it? “Body suspension to me means transcendence, it means healing, it means reconnecting. I got my �irst glimpse of it while learning about Hinduism, its spirituality, sects and customs. My �irst suspensions were out of curiosity - testing myself and my boundaries , years later I was asked to be apart of a NYC body suspension group called “anchors aweigh suspension” and have been apart since 2015. We hold an annual event called “SKIN” as well as other events for hire and leisure. “
Some people have described their �irst body suspension experience as a spiritual one, what was your �irst experience like?
“Body suspension has always been a rites of passage and a form of ceremony in indigenous cultures, a way to commune with the spirit world, and a sacri�ice to our ancestors and higher powers as long as those intentions are set. My �irst experience was full of adrenaline, and it was then I learned there was a certain therapeutic sensation coursing through me during and after body suspension- one that I could no longer live without. After my �irst suspension I cried, I cried because it was the closest beautiful feeling I felt to giving birth to my daughter. “
You’re an survivalist for indigenous rights. When did that start? “Social justice and animal welfare have always been a huge part of my life. I don’t remember a time I was not challenging something that was clearly inhumane. It is often when I talk to my friend, Florcy - cofounder of @womenofcolorsolidarity we refer to ourselves as survivalist rather than activists. Everything we do and speak on is on the basis of survival, not only for our communities but other communities suffering oppression”
Native Americans receive the same treatment and misconceptions as a lot of indigenous groups around the world do. In your opinion, what are the things we can do to help these groups with their struggles? “Listen to us and I mean REALLY listen to us. We’ve offered solutions to problems, and we have continuously been ignored and put on a back burners. We have offered movements like #idlenomore and we have publicized the rape and murders of indigenous women. Teach our true history of all nations, of all directions - that have been de�iled by white supremacy and colonialism . Allow us access to our own healing ceremonies, speak up on sustainable economies and always remember water is life and our lands should be honored and protected. It is very simple, we are still here, we are not going anywhere.”
South Africa’s president, Mr. Ramaphosa, has announced ‘land expropriation without compensation’ in the state of the nation address. What are your views on this? “As an indigenous woman born of the diaspora, and being fully aware of how colonialism has crippled our people, I fully support this action. Reparations are overdue, especially for indigenous Africa. My support is for indigenous Africa. It is interesting to see the tables turn, especially living in the US and seeing how white supremacy and anti-blackness has an extremely strong and violent hold.”
Are there any projects that you are involved in that you’d like to share with us and the readers that will help gain a better understanding on indigenous groups and rights? “I am not currently apart of any projects, but bringing awareness to oppression and injustice is on going. Being apart of your individual community and it’s efforts are huge, speaking out is huge!”
WANDA LEPHOTO WANDA LEPHOTO is 1 of 4 of the creative collective from Johannesburg, The Sartists, in which allow us to see their perspective of how previous South African culture of the 80s/90s in�luences our lives today through fashion. The Sartists includes Xavier Zulu, Kabelo Kungwane, Andile Buka and also Wanda Lephoto.
Lephoto has now branched out into launching his clothing fashion menswear in which infuses olden fashion with modernized trends, making it more current yet still keeping the 80s/90s look. The menswear was launched in 2016, in a way in which he wanted to educate through style by drawing on subcultures and traditional
symbols to show his embrace for the African heritage. In 2017, he released a shoe in which was in�luenced by the Zion churches and their footwear. The shoe was made out of pastel pink leather. In April 2018, Lephoto released his summer/spring range in which was featured in the South African Fashion Week. Lephoto’s spot in the fashion industry is much acknowledged.
STREET STREET CULTUR CULTU Name: Naledi Wendy Zuma IG Handle: @ledi_zuma
TAK
WHAT’S YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE CULTURE NOW? To me, it all started with music, as a late 90s baby and growing up in the early 2000s, I got exposed to a lot of rap RnB, soul and kwaito music then artists only sang or rapped about the love of the streets. Therefore, culture to me is in my hood; where people dress only not to show off but feel good and be respected. DO YOU THINK THE WORD “CULTURE” HAS BEEN MISUSED? No. HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE CULTURE HAS EVOLVED? Not much actually. We want to keep it cultural as possible in that we don’t want much to change its meaning. HOW DOES STREET CULTURE INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE? I look at street culture on the net and not feel intimated but inspired WHICH FASHION ICONS INSPIRE YOUR STYLE? I don’t really have one but Old Skool artists are inspirational.
RE URE
KE
Name: Simphiwe Nyawose IG Handle: @simphiwenyawose WHAT’S YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE CULTURE NOW? Personally, I find the culture to be forever growing and that’s a good thing. People outside the culture call those wuthin it, “cool kids” and I must say there’s a lot of them. DO YOU THINK THE WORD “CULTURE” HAS BEEN MISUSED? In my opinion, the word “culture” has been misused, to an extent where when you take a look at events aiming to move the “culture” forward, all you see is the same thing which is kids wanting to only have fun. HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE CULTURE HAS EVOLVED? The culture has grown immensely. Nowadays you get people like Laduma Ngxokolo, owner of MaXhosa displaying all the way in Paris, or you hear that Sandile Cele, owner of D.O.P.E collaborating with Converse or Boyzn Bucks collaborating with Vans. And these are things witnessed often lately. HOW DOES STREET CULTURE INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE? More than anything, I am influenced by different styles within and outside of this culture. WHICH FASHION ICONS INSPIRE YOUR STYLE? Some of my friends influence my style; and people like Gogo Lupin, Pharrell Williams, Luka Sabbat and Lungstar amongst others influence my style.
Name: MinenhleMtshali IG Handle: @_b.rokegirl02 WHAT’S YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE CULTURE NOW? As a person of arts, and who’s interested in different lifestyles, the culture is been infused all over the place in so many different styles – the way I see it right now, a lot of it has evolved throughout the decades and some creativity past on to generation to generation. DO YOU THINK THE WORD “CULTURE” HAS BEEN MISUSED? Yes, a lot, but we all have our different perspectives and different ways in seeing and also different lifestyles. I don’t like it when a group of different creative teens tend to do the same thing over and over. HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE CULTURE HAS EVOLVED? Wow I mean, it has evolved and elevated a lot – from the way people live to the way we dress. I mean, look at Bloody Osiris, he’s one of my fav designers.. HOW DOES STREET CULTURE INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE? I’ll see something that catches my eye and put it on and try putting together using my own resources or what I’ve got. The 90s fashion runways inspire me. WHICH FASHION ICONS INSPIRE YOUR STYLE? Ian Connor, Bloody Osiris, Nkulseu, Monrietha, Erica Bowes (a photographer), Bella Hadid, the list goes on.
Name: Sanele Thembela IG Handle: @odd_blxck_the_waters WHAT’S YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE CULTURE NOW? Culture is the way we live, it involves tastes in art, fashion and music and interactions between people of different knowledge and values we share with the society. DO YOU THINK THE WORD “CULTURE” HAS BEEN MISUSED? No. I feel like people have their own understandings of the word “culture” and use it in a way that defines themselves and how they see it. HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE CULTURE HAS EVOLVED? Here in South Africa, it has evolved drastically. Culture is influenced by hip hop and media and most youth nowadays are exposed to hip hop and media so this widens the culture. HOW DOES STREET CULTURE INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE? I dress to put a smile on my face and I really don’t like self-doubt so I try to be positive as with who I am and my style as a person. WHICH FASHION ICONS INSPIRE YOUR STYLE? Simphiwe Nyawose, Vusu Sibisi, Okmalumkoolkat, Gogolupin and HappyClub and a few other amazing people.
PLAYLIST
REVIEW
A unique music aesthetic platform, showcasing artists that make rare blissful music. Email for a review Rarebirdsociety@yahoo.com (Powered by @Rarebirdsociety)
daniel rep - New Day
Song of the issue KIDD ODD - sobriety A chilled wave yet an instrumental to dance to, delivered by the Kidd Odd. This single is composed of a happy feeling and its title, “Sobriety”, is best blends well with the sound. It is the kind of jam you would play on a sunny summer moving day or vacation with friends. With such moving and pop like happy jam, the kid is obviously one to look out for. Kindly subscribe to the RareMusik Youtube page and also Soundcloud to get an insight of this track.
Daniel rep is quiet a household name to many and if you are a fan of Slikour Online you might have seen him performing one of his illest track. From Jozi street to the world, he is bracing us with his new single titled “New Day” which features an angelic voice of Juliu on the hook. If you love groovy tracks with raps and a bit of soulful taste, this might be your jam to start your day and get you to the summer vibes. Be sure to also check his video on his YouTube and RareMusik page.
SENSAI – flig flag “I make a �lip like Flip Flag….”. A mantra and a catchy hook Sensai on this composition makes it hard not move to and the chilled wavy sounds on the background blend together with the record. Besides the sound and catchy hook, Sensai makes it clear that the song is more than just that, but also about �lipping one’s situation and you can hear that through out the verses. Kindly subscribe to the RareMusik Youtube page and also Soundcloud to get an insight of this track.
LXBO – hammyhill An eureka and no doubt that the boy is the future and proving that on this his new singly, “Hammy Hills” is himself, LXBO. This single starts off with a clip of two people talking about �ire arm and the tone of this masterpiece stays dark and takes you on journey of a life of a boy on his way up to make it while posted up at hammy hills, hence the title. Kindly subscribe to the RareMusik Youtube page and also Soundcloud to get an insight of this track.
T.A.T - heavyweight With such a hardcore beat and a party starter anthem, there is no doubt about this being on always a stand to be on repeat. “Heavyweight” is a delivery by the collective, T.A.T from their EP titled B.O.A.T(Bass’d On A Truestory) and they are undoubtedly one of the few artists people need to start looking out for; as they proved that yet again it on this single. Kindly subscribe to the RareMusik Youtube page and also Soundcloud to get an insight of this track.
VOGUE – chase (the runner) Chase (The Runner), a straightforward and clear title of this beautiful piece by the indie artist Vogue. In this masterpiece Vogue takes us to an ideal place or utopia, a place one needs to �ind their inner peace and dream without worries, and she also recites. “One day, I’ll be like a tree steady patient and all knowing”. If you need get lost and ease yourself from the world. Kindly subscribe to the RareMusik Youtube page and also Soundcloud to get an insight of this track.
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CLEOSOL COMPILED BY: Mercedez Dlikilili
Check out Cleosol’s EP titled “Winter”. Available on all music platforms.
CLEOSOL
is a talented artist from London, U.K. The artist has been in the music industry for almost 5 years now, gracing her fans with amazing soothing sounds of her voice. Recently, Cleosol has released a four track EP titled “Winter”, in early April 2018. The EP landed her a performance on Colors Berlin, a platform for upcoming artists to perform their recent and trending songs. She performed a song title “Why don’t you?” from the EP. In the song, she talks about focusing on yourself and accomplishing your dreams. The entire EP has a jazzy groove to it, with a modernized tone. Making it sound more recent and fresh. The EP also
includes a song titled “So Cold” in which is more mellowed down and slower than “Why don’t you?”. In this song, one is simply transported telepathically into a jazz scenery in which one then starts visualizing Cleosol walking into the streets of London, singing this song as she walks past every corner of her memory being introduced by every instrument that is being use in this song and being played by the person. She channels our minds into actually being cold not only physically but also mentally and being detached from your loved one in the cold of emotions that also lead to physical detraction.
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KUMNANDI COMPILED BY: Mercedez Dlikilili
KUMNANDI, formally known as Luyolo Ndayi, is a PE Gqom/ Hip Hop artist. Growing up with his father and older brothers introduced him into kwaito music, in which was highly popular in South Africa in the 80s/90s. Reading magazines and watching television enhanced his knowledge for the music industry, leading him later to be intrigued in the industry and wanting to pursue a career in it. At the age of 15, he began DJing and producing his own music line-ups of veteran DJs around his hometown, Port Elizabeth. He later then enrolled in a music school, Damelin College, after high school to study sound engineering.
Having been able to play at major events and clubs based in PE, Kumnandi got more inspiration to further his career at that. Kumnandi recently released his EP titled “Powers”, in which caught Riky Rick’s eye in the way he marketed the EP. He handed Riky a t-shirt with the EP’s title and tracklist and also we later saw Riky posting on his IG story, a photography he took with Kumnandi and further elaboration how mesmerized he was by Kumnandi’s marketing skills. Kumnandi has also shared a stage with South Africa’s major artists such as J Molley,PH, Speedsta, Shekhinah, Okmalumkoolkat and many more artists.
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ROBIN THRIRDFLOOR, also known as Simphiwe Nyawose is a Durban born and bred artist who ventured into the music industry in early 2014 releasing his first EP titled “Sounds Empty Pockets” which gained over 2000 downloads within less than a month. Several radio stations recognized songs from the EP, nationally and internationally, as well as broadcasting on a local television drama series. Thirdfloor also being nominated for best newcomer, song of the year, MC of the year and best sleeve design at the Original Material Awards in 2014. The artist was later signed under Tshepang Ramoba’s - a drummer of BLK JLS and Motel Mari, producer and remixer –indie record label in 2015, POST POST. The record label also embarked in a tour to Johannesburg, Mozambique and Switzerland, giving Thrirdfloor a greater platform to expand his voice within the music industry. Thirdfloor also got the opportunity to close for one of the biggest shows in Johannesburg in 2016,
Back To The City Music Festival. Thirdfloor is always proud of where he came from and constantly reminding us of his roots Umlazi in Durban, as he shot his music video, “Somdanger”, in which pays tribute the Durban nightlife. This then led him to be one of the South African artists selected to perform at the SWSX 2017, Austin-Texas USA. Currently being apart of a Deezer Next campaign, he pre-released a song title “Mina Nawe” which is the first song from his “Bhotela” EP. “Bhotela” EP also features Swiss producer, Dejok aka Dubokaj (Mouthwatering Records). Thirdfloor has also recently recorded with another international artist, ZambianSwiss rapper Rootswords. Not only has he worked with international artists but Thirdfloor has also collaborated with our very own DJ Tira, Youngsta CPT, Ginger Trill, HCL, Moonchild and Mzokoloko. It is quiet evident that Thirdfloor has an amazing future ahead of him and we cannot wait to witness his future collabos and sounds.
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JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT
LIVING and breathing art from
a very young age, Basquiat became the epitome of a true legend in art of the 20th century. He began as a very cultured youth, able to speak fluent French, Spanish and English by the young age of 11. His mother was highly aware of her son’s passion in the arts industry, as she would nurture the passion by taking him to museums and galleries in Brooklyn, where he was born and raised. Having not received a formal art education, Basquiat then began to teach himself from alternative means. At the age of 15, he ran away from home and began sleeping at park benches at Tompkins Square Park in New York. That helped him gain exposure into street artistry and architecture. After dropping out of school, he then began writing cryptic, poetic messages and drawing odd symbols across New York buildings with his friend, Al Diaz. Together, they formed the street-art collective titled SAMO: Same Old Shit. Basquiat formed and worked on SAMO while still focusing on a piece for Basement Blues Press. The comics consisted of a character that was developing and understand its spirituality and truth; but who instead meets a false priest who introduces him to different types of religions such as Judaism, Catholicism and Buddhism. Al Diaz and Basquiat sold their story for $100 in 1978 to Village Voice.
Basquiat had made his first solo exhibition in March 1982, at the Annina Nosei Gallery in New York organized by Diego Cortez in MoMA PS1 Gallery. The exhibition was huge as he sold his paintings between $10 000 to $25 000 each. Basquiat’s work was one of the most recognized and changed the art’s industry immensely. His successful trajectory as someone who wasn’t formally art trained also changed traditional ideas of who and what constituted an artist. In 1979, Andy Warhol and Basquiat met at a New York restaurant, where Warhol was dining with Henry Geldzahler. He introduced himself and sold Warhol a few pieces of his postcards. Andy Warhol became a huge influence and turning curve in Basquiet’s life. For many in the arts industry found their relationship quite odd; but it was symbolic as their artistry was so different and unique. The pair fell out after the combined their talents for the exhibition Warhol/Basquiat Paintings in 1985. When Warhol died from surgery complication in 1987, Basquiat was very devastated as he not only did he lose an artist partner but an amazing friend whom influenced and inspired his artistry.
Basquiat ‘s work is filled with symbols and abstract figures. The artist used language to employ a child-like automatism as he took everyday phases and turned them into cryptic poetry. Basquiat’s work makes us question his surroundings and how he depicted reality in a way that differs from other artists and artistry. He created an art medium that defines an intense deliberation with subjectively rough handling of materials, brushes and intense colors. Mainly expressing and using bright colors such as red, yellow, blue, green and black as an emphasis on the art and the exploration of his reality in the arts. His technique shows us how
in itself he is brutal, raw of subjective and themes, texture and unforgiving the commitment to using this technique to overthrow art standards. Due to the use of constantly using black colors in his art, his work became misinterpreted for being dark and evil, however due to the minorities and segregation of his era, he liked using black as a commitment and paying much respect to his heritage and his black community, as he also engaged in some artworks that spoke about the segregations and minorities. Even though decades after his passing, today Basquiat is known to be a true legend in the arts industry who did not conform to most of the arts rules but invented his own.
KEVSE KEVS
EVEN SEVEN
FROM the tropical city of Durban, South Africa, resonates 27 y/o Kevin Ngwenya, a graffiti artist who defines himself as a multidisciplinary graffiti artist and above all a creative soulful brother. His first encounter with graffiti artistry was from travelling with his mom at a very young age on her back and being mesmerized by architecture, colors and street culture of down town markets. At the age of 14, Kev picked up his first spray can but at the time wasn’t quite sure as to what he was going to depict and just let the wind carry him and his curiosity within this artistry. “It wasn’t until my family moved to a township in Durban called Umlazi to the suburbs, Umbilo also in Durban, during the 90s that I then began to understand what I really was seeing. Umbilo at the time was covered with graffiti art with also groups of skaters rolling about catching spots.” The scene reminding the artist of New York or perhaps something he would see on TV, in which made him feel at home. “One would say graffiti found me. The rawness of the culture in graffiti, the style, presentation and above all, the sacrifices you make and dangers you face, just to get your name out there are insane. It’s just a “BAM IN YOUR FACE, DEAL WITH IT “ type of situation.” The first artwork he did was of a toy that him and his friends spray-painted on an old electricity building in which was located at a cemetery where they’d smoke a joint.
“Seeing that artwork every day made me want to hide in shame at how terrible it was, therefore it was that feeling that evoked the passion and dedication in me to do a better artwork and improve on my creative skills.” For the longest of time, graffiti artist have been labeled by individuals, especially those who do not understand the art and its form, as people who vandalize the community and streets. However, things have rapidly changed in this new generation. “Funny enough, there is part truth in that statement, but it’s ignorance that it is perceived in that way. I have learned to accept that as humans, we will always criticize what we do not understand and besides that, you can’t please everyone. I also feel the previous generation misunderstood the art in its aim and didn’t get their props and support in crucial times. Kev wants people to experience the joys of freedom and the rewards of action in what you believe in when looking at his artworks. Having his heart glued to Durban, the artist has done a lot of amazing artworks around the city for several years now. It all began with just an idea. An idea of how he wanted to live life and learn from his surroundings and experiences. “Graffiti has always been a teacher to me and people I’ve met along the way are like those high school friends that you will never forget. Those experiences are who I am, and will live forever! In any industry one wants to pursue a career in, one must remember that it’s a marathon, not a race.”
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Gabriella Garza
22-YEAR-OLD Gabriella
Garza is an extremely talented artist and enthusiast makeup artist from Brownsville, Texas USA, whose artistry has elevated the makeup artistry and beauty industry immensely. We got the opportunity to interview Garza and hear about her passion for makeup and arts.
What intrigued your passion for the makeup and arts industries?
What was your first makeup look? How old were you at the time?
What intrigued my passion to venture more in the beauty industry was pretty much my love for creating and wanting to see where my creativity could take me with the help of the Internet. Getting to know more like-minded people that shared my same interests that supported me heavily definitely inspired me to continue pursuing my passion.
I first started experimenting and falling in love with makeup at a very early age at around 1213 years old but the official first time I got up the courage to post photos of an elaborate look I created was of a duo colored skull with red on one side and blue on the other and gold accents throughout at about 20 years old.
Your makeup looks are infused with art, as you create portraits using makeup. What was your first portrait look? What inspired you to go the extra mile in differentiating from normal makeup looks into your artistic looks? The first portrait I created was a tribute piece dedicated to David Bowie on the one-year anniversary of his passing. What inspired me to go the extra mile with my art was seeing the amount emotion I could put into traditional artworks (using pen, paper and paints) and having a love for the medium of makeup. Being able to combine those two aspects of my personality and also being able to add in my other favorite hobbies like listening to music and watching films/shows blew my mind! I knew I had to put out the kind of art that makes me the happiest I can be! I love traditional makeup but something about dedicating time and love into a bigger project just makes it that much more special to me and is essentially an extension of who I am.
How does visual arts influence your makeup looks and being creative?
Being both a visual artist and a makeup enthusiast, the two mesh in such a collaborative way in that they both can inspire one another to try out new shapes and new techniques when creating a fresh design. If say, I were to just be sketching something on paper and just go with the flow of what I'm feeling that day but it wasn't enough for an actual art piece, I can implement that motion into my looks so my idea will actually have a special place to reside in, even if its just on my eye. I find that there's a specific niche for my kind of artistry online when I do portrait/design based looks than when I do more traditional glamorous looks and I'm so grateful to be a part of them both because I've been able to do things I never thought I could, art wise, without the support of all kinds of people besides me.
Kindly elaborate on how you believe makeup enhancement boosts a woman’s confidence.
The freedom of being able to create anything you want on your face or becoming anyone you want with a single swipe can do wonders for your confidence. You're essentially showing more of the energy you wish you'd exude on the outside and how you really feel in the inside with the help of some eye shadow and eyeliner. I see it somewhat similar to the aspect of why people feel so connected to their tattoos, except you get to change your mood from day to day, from the most adventurous of looks to the basics that help us feel like we can take on the world as our true selves, however dim or bright as that may be.
What Is your favorite portrait look that you have done thus far and why did you choose to do it?
My favorite makeup portraits I've done so far have to be a tie between either the Hellraiser, Nightmare on Elm St., or the American Horror Story: Coven looks I've done! I love certain parts of them each and being an artist, I also see the flaws in them all, so its practically impossible for me to choose just one but one thing that does correlate within them all is my love for horror cult classic films/shows! Halloween IS my favorite time of the year after all!
What’s your take on the beauty industry evolving from what it was decades ago to what it is today?
There have always been makeup lovers, no matter what decade but I feel the makeup industry has evolved in the way that now makeup companies understand that you don't have to be a "conventional" looking model in an editorial shoot for a major magazine in order to want to wear those kinds of looks out. Beauty comes in every shade, every size, every walk of life, and every gender and the industry is capable of realizing that through the help of the conversations we're able to have on the internet on the biggest Apps that allow our voices to be heard. Places like Instagram where everyone can give direct feedback to brands (and where brands make most of their sales due to advertising) and put themselves on the map if they feel like the industry isn't being inclusive enough, as it tends not to be from time to time, has changed the industry in a big positive light because brands get to see everyday people rocking their products and can actually get constructive criticism that could help them in the process of creating products for everyone.
Kindly name a few popular individuals in which you’ve collaborated with thus far. I've been lucky enough to collaborate with some of my all time favorite artists/people; Rachel Coffey (@RachelCMakeup), Lola Herrera (@lolakins_), Sade Preciado (@ Mermaidthuglife), and Carlos Martinez (@x.solrac) and my experience with them all was amazing. The magical part about collaborations is that you're able to bounce ideas off of eachother and work together to create something you all have visions for. Everyone has their own unique style and liking somebody else's work so much that you want to be a part of the creative process it is just so special and I hold all of my experiences with these people so close to my heart! Kindly share any words of wisdom for establishing makeup artists who are inspired by you and your work and would like to become as creative and venture in the beauty industry as you have.
What are your favorite makeup products?
My favorite makeup products have to be eyeshadows and colorful eyeliners for sure! From starting out with just one colorful eyeshadow palette, I was able to do so many looks with just that one product and now that my makeup collection has grown, colorful eyeliners/gels are able to take my art to the next level in no time at all! I would definitely consider those two products to be essential to me and my work.
Some key advice I'd give to aspiring/upcoming MUA's would be to stop comparing yourself to other artists/influencers, know your worth, and to always stay true to who you are! The jealousy and envy can definitely get the best of you and you can find yourself being surrounded by people that are also victims of this unhealthy mindset. Being constantly surrounded by negativity towards others can lead you to viewing everyone as competition or can limit you in your own growth, as a person and as an artist. Knowing your worth is knowing you are your own individual and that just because opportunities aren't being presented to you right away doesn't mean that it'll never happen if your heart is in your passion. Lastly, staying true to who you are is absolutely critical to everyday life but has also been a big part of my own artistry journey! Never compromise the fire that burns inside of you for others to notice you. That's what makes you, you and your art your own.
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VAIN BY MISS AMANI
MAKE UP TIPS AND TRICKS BY MISS AMANI THIS SEASON I wanted to go wit something strong and bold. Nothing screams BOLD like the MAC Glitter Box Colors. I used the colors blue and red to kind of represent strength, power and class because I feel only Boss Ladies are strong enough to rock those colors ad pull this look off effortlessly. MAC is a product I love to use because of their pigmentation, the quality is really great and it really is the difference between wearing eyeshadows and actually rocking eyeshadows. For my lips, I decided to go with NYX cosmetics‌need I say more? Their lingerie ranges of nudes are still a number one for me. Definitely NYX cosmetics are my go to for a lip kit. IT’S BOSS LADY SEASON!!! Go big or go to bed! #Vain.
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