T r ansition
N째6 FW
Editor in Chief : Rocio Lugo Quijano
Design Director: Eliud Echevarria
Featured People : Celia Rowlson Hall La Pandilla Nayarit Maldonado
Contributing People: Frank Berlin Wilfredo Bermudez Natalia Collazo Abnel Gonzalez Edith Henry Jay Mayhew Timothy Rosado Stephanie Segarra EnriqueVega Natalia Viera Dawn West
mattemagazine.com info@mattemagazine.com
MATTE mag Š 2013
The entire content of MATTE mag is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. MATTE mag accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised here in.MATTE mag reserves the right to edit,rewrite,refuse or reuse material,is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature same on the website,as well as other mediums for any and all purposes.
photography_Enrrique vega make up_ALEXIS WILLIAMS hair_Sheri Pinto manicurist_ RICA ROMAN model_STEPHANIE CAM_RE:quest_new york
TRANSITION
Despite being in an era where the rush of daily life doesn’t leave you time to look at your sur-
roundings and enjoy the small things in life,I like to take time apart from the bustle of the routine and take a moment to appreciate the transitions that are manifested in the different phases of life that keep moving revealing changes in its wake.
The spaces around us are full of this ever changing element and what better way to show it that
presenting them in the latest edition of MATTE mag.We had the opportunity to meet and share ideas with two of the most important muralists in the local scene,Jufe and Alexis from“La Pandilla”.In an exclusive interview the duo explains to MATTE where the concept comes from and where they get the inspiration to create these wonderful pieces that keep giving life to the streets of Santurce,Puerto Rico.
We like to take an opportunity and thank all our readers and contributors because in oneway or
another have been part of the growth and development of our proposal.We hope you enjoy this edition we have prepared enthusiastically for all of you.Without further ado I present“Transition”.Until next time!
A LACK OF COLOR
PAPER DOLL
CELIA ROWLSON HALL
FLUORESCENCE
LA PANDILLA
Marian si sveglia a mezzanotte
NAYA
SOLITUDE
photography_Timothy rosado styling_dawn west make up_raul otero hair_sheri pinto model_luana_paragone_new york
JACKET WITH FROM PANNEL_V W BIKE SHORT_V W T-SHIRT_Markus Lupfer
BOUCLE JACKET_V W FUR BOLERO_V W BIKE SHORT_V W LACE SHIRT_Prada ARMADILLO VEST_Marni
SLEEVELESS JACKET_V W KNIT SCARF_Comme Des Garcons DENIM SHIRT_J Crew
FUR CAPLET_V W DENIN JUMPSUIT_Rangler VEST_Marni LL BEAN HUNTING SHIRT_Vintage
clothing_Julian Gold
photography_JAi Mayhew STYLING_EDITH HENRY MAKE UP & HAIR_KELSEY JAMES MODEL_MADISON PAIGE_VISION_LA
CLOTHING_Golden Bones Boutique SCARF_Stylist Own
CLOTHING_Julian Gold TIE_Stylist Own
Celia Rowlson Hall is a virtuoso dancer,choreographer,and director currently based in New York.This 28 years young American originally fromVirginia,USA move to the big city over six years ago to find her ideal platform to express and communicate her concerns.
From an early age she trained as a dancer,she made her BA in modern dance and choreography before moving to NY where she continues to development in performing and filmmaking.
Rowlson had developed her love for arts in every way she can. The artist gained much popularity for her amazing work and multiple collaborations for many music videos like:MGMT,Jason Wu,Aritzia and Erika Spring.But that’s not all,also Celia had been stimulating her senses as a fashion and music director in:The Audition,if we leave,Prom Night,the honeymoon and more.A key moment in her carrier was playing the role in“Faye Driscoll 837” which led her to wonThe Bessie Award.
On the other hand,recently the innovator had her first exhibition using illustrations formats business cards size that she does in her spare time and called“TeenyTintTerribles”.
Celia is definitely a woman of many gifts,in addition to the beauty,and determination she always expresses her mind, a great down to earth spirit with a positive sense of humor towards life,that’s Celia Rowlson.
We invite you to read more about this great creator and know a little more about this artist‘s experiences and her upcoming projects as director,how’s been the experience of living in New
Photography: JODY ROGAC
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Where are you currently living? New York City.
Describe the experience of winning“Bessie Awards”for that incredible performance on Faye Driscoll’s 837Venice Boulevard? Performing that piece was the true reward;however it’s always nice to be honored for your work by others. Which of all your collaborations had been your favorites and why? I’ve loved all of my collaborations because even if they weren’t the most positive,they still taught me a lot about how I want to be as an artist and treat others along the way. Right now I am really enjoying working with collaborator,Lexy Hulme,because we are having so much fun and really celebrating the joy in life and friendship.
Which kind of art platform does you like the most between dance, filmmaking and choreography? Filmmaking.
How was your childhood and how it influenced your professional carrier? I had a very nurturing and wonderful childhood. My parents really pushed me to be creative at all times- I could never buy costumes,I had to make them...don’t watch tv,make up your own story...that was my upbringing. And I’m still doing the same thing today!
When your interest in filmmaking begun? A few years ago.After spending a lot of time on set as a performer and choreographer,I was interested to see how I could tell stories through film.
For someone who doesn’t know you,how do you describe your work? Lonely,hopeful,nostalgic.
What’s your vision about art? There is no vision without art.
Tell us something about“Si nos dejan”,what it meant to make that piece? “Si Nos Dejan”is a new short film that I wrote down in Miami this summer. I wanted to explore the subject of marriage,good intentions and missed connections.
Photography: JODY ROGAC
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Photography: MATT RUBIN
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Talk to us a little bit about your drawings? They are fun little pen/watercolor drawings I make when I have a bit of downtime. I love puns and tiny things,so I paint them on business card size pieces of paper. I’ve made a couple hundred of them by this point.
What’s the best thing about your work? What’s the worst? The best thing is when I am in the act of making things,the thrill is incomparable. The worst is when people don’t believe in my work anymore or aren’t excited by it,it crushes me. I feel like I have personally let them down.
How do you describe your style? Unfortunate.
What distinguish you as a director? What’s your proposal in the field? My dance and choreography background heavily influences my directing style.Also,I don’t have any formal training in film,so I don’t know what rules to follow/break and am purely going off of instinct- which can be good and bad.
Who are your idols? PT Anderson,Terrence Malick,and David Lynch.
How old are you? 28
How do you perceive the fashion world? The skinny cousin at the family reunion that won’t talk to you. Photography: MATT RUBIN
What is your life story? Grew up in a small town and moved to a big city...who knows what is next!
What is your passion and inspiration? To tell honest stories.
What would you have done if you weren’t involved in your current career? A park ranger.
What is your worst habit? Forgetfulness and selfishness.
How living in NY has inspired or affected your life? It has both inspired and affected my life in so many ways,mostly that I have met all of my collaborators here in this city. And they have shaped my work and my life.
How do you see yourself in five years? Shooting my third feature film..Exhausted,in love,happy and well traveled.
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Photography_Enrique vega MAKE UP_ALEXIS WILLIAMS MANICURIST_RICA ROMAN MODEL_STEPHANIE CAM_RE:QUEST_NEW YORK
written by_Natalia Viera Photography_Stephanie SEGARRA
When Santurce started getting its light
proached them with a project of a school
back with picturesque and great mural
in Jayuya,he wanted them to paint the first
detail,we decided to sit down with two of
school in Puerto Rico to be self-unstained.
the people who were behind all of this;
One of the elements that helped this idea
Alexis Díaz and Juan Fernández from La
come to live was their artwork,“The idea
Pandilla.This duo is very familiar with these
was that the school had to have educa-
streets since they started painting together
tional mural work”,Alexis added.
at Fernández Juncos Ave.and describe this neighbourhood as their first gallery.They dedicate most of their time to give texture, composition and character on paper, canvases and mostly walls.“We consider ourselves muralists,at least I prefer to work on wall rather than a canvas”said Juan Fernández.The two have different styles but together they make great art,“Alexis does more cross hashing,I do more wireframe”; said Juan.
This wasn’t their last street painting gig. When they finished doing their Carlitos Colón mural,press people from Medalla Light invited them to paint live at the 2010 Summer Camp at Hotel Iberia.This was the first time they became La Pandilla.“We sold a painting very quickly and we said to ourselves that we could dedicate time to this and it really was what we wanted.I think every artist dreams about painting all day,we decided to stop doing everything we were
This duo started on 2009 and some of you
doing and dedicate to paint.Sometimes
guys could be thinking about how they
we were really broke,we would find leftover
came up with the name.“The name came
paint,and the issue was finding every way
from a sketchbook Juan owned,it said La
to continue doing murals.People would say
Pandilla”Alexis added.“Juan was doing a
to us‘you guys are crazy,painting for free all
clothing line by the time and maybe it had
the time’.We kept ourselves focused and
to do with it,but now it is a different thing. ”For
kept painting and finally after a year of free
them,their work doesn’t have a meaning it
work things started to happen. ”
is more about feelings and every person’s perspective on things.“It depends on how I feel that day;we paint what we feel and if you feel identified,well,there you have your meaning.The idea is to give the people freedom to interpret what they want,sometimes I start painting a shark and the next day I get there and the mood is different.I erase that shark and begin doing another thing,I keep playing with it and at the end
Still this two kept going and after six murals in Santurce,they decided to take al little trip; they went to Miami forThe Art Basel,to Perú for the Latir Latino Festival,to Atlanta forThe Living Walls,Virginia and México.After visiting Miami,they got another gig making the design for the Diesel store in Lincoln Road Miami.
it is a mix of thoughts and emotions,every day can change”,said Alexis.
They met different artists and the cultural exchange was really happening.“We met
They use Chinese paint and very bright youthful acrylic colors as their objective is to leave delicate traces on rundown buildings giving them life.However they’ve
Gaia from New York,Jaz and Ever both from Argentina. ”They also met artists who they admired;ARYS from Spain and ROA from Belgium.
managed to have a really nice reputation and have been hired to do many jobs in
This two can be very different but have
the past years.One day an architect ap-
things in common as Juan says“We coincide in a lot of things,not in music,but
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we keep ourselves updated in what we do and see.We are involved in street art,design and architecture;at least I’m influenced by the avant-garde new stuff. ”Some of his influences include:Anthony Lister,Arys and Henry Matisse.They are also moved by their surroundings“The space and the environment influences us because of the time left there”, said Juan. Some of you may have questions about why they illustrate so many animals,well Juan explained;“At first it was because of the detail,we look for sources.Animals have hair,texture,color. We like them because of their texture and form. ”He also told us the importance of the traces and the little details on their large-scale paintings,he referred to megapixels and looking from a distance as an example of this.
Alexis tells us they wanted to create an event related to what they experienced traveling;“ We noticed that in every country we went,this was happening and we thought,wow,Puerto Rico is behind,this has never happened before,there is no motivation on doing an international event where people from different countries meet.Celso González and Alexis decided to create Los Muros Hablan in October of last year, where different artists from all around the world visited the Island and left their mark all over Santurce.Last year they reunited in Wynwood for another year at Miami’s Art Basel 2012.
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Marian si sveglia a mezzanotte
Photography_FRANK BERLIN ASSISTANT_MILLOS RADOICIC STYLING_WILFREDO BERMUDEZ MAKE UP_RAUL OTERO HAIR_SHERI PINTO MANICURIST_ANNA TANTILLO PRODUCTION_B.SIDE MODEL_MARIAN GUILLEN_WILHELMINA
SHIRT_Calvin Klein HOSIERY_Wolford
COAT_The Row BOOTS_Aperlai
TRENCH COAT_Burberry London SHOES_Casadei
HANDBAG_Hermes
FUR COAT_Anna Sui BOOTS_Givenchy
COAT_Yves Saint Laurent SHOES_Guiseppe Zanotti HOSIERY_Woiford
A GIRL FROM THE MOON
NAYARIT MALDONADO
THE ARTISTIC SCENE IN Puerto Rico is full of great emerging young art-
ist that explore de mediums to create and innovate the discipline on the island. One of those great representatives of the artistic movement that keep creating and motivating the creativity is Nayarit Maldonado.This is a Puerto Rican artist had her first presentation as part of the collective exposition called“Illusions and Asterisms”at the 787 Studios with young artist like Dennis Pomales and Los Hermanos Lumiére.
One of the first things that capture our attention is that Maldonado’s illustrative style is,as she describes,“feminine with subtle spirituality and a innocent sensuality with a supernatural edge”.Also the artist’s passion for fashion, art and design are palpable on her aesthetics elements she uses like:crowns, quartz,moons,and monsters among others giving certain mystery and darkness that keep you wanting more.
That’s why is not a surprise that in a very short time this graphic de-
signer student has already become one of the great emerging artists on the local artistic scene.Read along and find out more about NAYA’s latest proposal, future plans and inspirations in our exclusive interview.
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How would you describe your work? NM- I have a hard time with that question,but I think my work is a bit of a mix between feminine with subtle spirituality and innocent sensuality with a supernatural edge.Plus some lazy cute monsters on the side…
Where do you go to,or what are some of the things you do when you need inspiration? NM- Well I find inspiration on daily life and memories so I rarely go looking for it… But when I feel the need I like to take late night swims and just chill under the moon light,relaxing usually helps me on a creative block out.
Do you have a“theme”for your illustrations;are the characters directly related to you? NM- Haha.Yes,some were“commissioned”,but I usually make my personal work with subjects and“themes”in mind,usually depending on my mood or my obsession at the moment (how cliché ah?).
What are you working on right now? NM- Well I have been very busy since Christmas with full time job and full time studies but I am slowly working on 2 very special projects of which I will be talking about later on my fb
Who are your influences?
and blog.
NM- Well when it comes to art my influences are a bit of a mixed up bunch.FromTim Burton,who was my biggest inspiration as a child with James and the giant Peach and Bettlejuice,to street artists Nychos (and his weird crew),sensual Charmaine Olivia,Awdrey Kawasaki,Sam Wolfe Connelly, Ward Pendleton and Andy Ristainio and Mc Bees who is one of my
How do you make space work for you? NM- Well I like a clean feel,other than in the main subjects or objects of the work so it becomes a easy task,a matter of proportions more than anything.
biggest one for a while now. How would you describe the experience of presenting in“ Where can we find your work? NM- You can visit my website ( www.Naya13.com ) and get to my fb(FACEBOOK) and blog through there for updates and current projects.
Ilusiones & Asterismos”? NM- Well it was a delightful experience! Between working with “Los Hermanos Lumiere”,Dennis Pomales and Alexis to make the exhibit happen to the sleepless day before and the feedback on and after the event,it was all worthy and left me
What makes you happy?
wanting more.
NM-The simplest things make me the happiest,a nice evening out with friends or family,a good morning text msg,a supportive hug from my mum,to see someone wearing something I
Your subjects are mainly women,is there any reason you prefer
made,the moon,listening to my grandma’s lifelong memories,
them as your subjects?
kisses on the forehead,drawing,tea (and occasionally coffee),
NM- Yes,I have been raised in a big family that is mainly com-
the smell of vanilla and coconut,the occasional road trip,
posed of women,all very different but very special women and
traveling,a nice dress,Adventure time,fresh berries,cool breezes
that has a big influence in me,specially my mum,a very strong
,rainy days,yellow flowers,music and a nice sweet perfume are
women.But when it comes to my work you can see more of
the ones in the nearest corner of my head.
what I have learned from my grandma,a fairly spiritual women that has taught me a lot in those aspects that translate into a supernatural vibe.
Where are you from?
What are some of the materials you use?
NM-The moon…
NM- I mostly use graphite,ink and prisma (color pencils).But I also use watercolors,charcoal,acrylics and for a while now gold leafs in small details,and usually moleskin paper or
Where did you study?
recycled paper.
NM- I went to the Central High ofVisual Arts (C.A.V.in Santurce),where I started to define myself and my passions,and am currently studying Graphic Design in the UPR in Carolina.
What are your passions? NM- I am fairly passionate about language,culture and music but mostly Art and design… I can’t get enough of those.
Do you have other talents? NM- I’m a pretty good cook… jaja.I don’t know I do a lot of things,but weather I’m good at it or not I can’t be the judge.I like to cook,make jewelry, write (something like) songs and poems…
What techniques do you use? NM- Well I am supposed and expected to know this technical concepts but truth is I don’t.But to be brutally honest I think I never played attention to these academic aspects of art.
Tell us about your jewelry line,shirts and bags.Do you still do that? NM- Yes! As a matter of fact one of my current projects is related to this.It all started with a slight interest in fashion,which I tried to merge with my passion for art and design altogether with a search of jewelry that suited my person at an affordable price.And so it all became sort of an experiment I am eager to keep developing and am also working to make it more accessible.
Do you see yourself doing art outside of Puerto Rico? NM- I WISH.I have always wanted to see,what is the feedback of my work outside of .PR.? Outside of the small niche that it has been welcomed in.It is definitely on my bucket list and I am hoping this year I can make it happen.
What are some of the elements or characteristics of your work? NM- Well there are recurring elements like crowns,quartz, multiple eyes or no eyes,moons,and monsters with different elements on them.
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CHIFFON BODYSUIT_Rita Blondet GOLDEN LEATHER PANT_Kamoli
DRESS_Allure GREEN DRAGON NECKLACE_Velvet Room
VINTAGE DRESS_Kamoli TRIBAL NECKLACE_Velvet Room
VINTAGE PALAZZO_Kamoli BODY SUIT_Veronika Pagan
DRESS_Nicole Miller SHOES_Dolce Vita SOCKS_Stance
BLUE BELL BOTTON_Veronika Pagan TOP_Kamoli NECKLACE_Allure
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