Berette Macaulay, Neue Rootz - Gertrud, 2009
There is something serene, yet loud about this family portrait by photographer Berette Macaulay, also known as SeBiArt. Perhaps it’s the unity of the multicultural family dynamic, or the radiating nonverbal dialogue in the photo. Whatever it is, there is something embedded in her photos that creates a magnetic pull towards the eyes.
View and learn more about SeBiArt here.
-Heather Liggins
Zef Noise, born Emilio Zef China in New York, was raised in Hobokin, New Jersey. This electronic Violinist and vocalist is diverse in his artistry, tapping into all realms of music-improvisation, songwriter, and producer. Adding on to Zef Noise’s laundry list, he has collaborated with pop artist Keith Haring, Art For Progress, spoken word artist Jim Carrol, just to name a few. With his versatile sound from electronic, rock, hip hop to experimental, Zef Noise’s music can speak to everyone. To listen to more of his music, click here.
-Heather Liggins
Self Portrait, 1956
Who would’ve thought Vivian Maier lived a double life. Outside of being a nanny, Maier was a silent street photographer, hoarding mounds of negatives never sharing with others this art she called a hobby. But thankfully fellow street photographer, John Maloof, stumbled upon this lost treasure, developing the negatives that documented history.
Maier’s life story sounds like a one from legendary artists–Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Allen Poe, El Greco, Henry Thoreau, just to name a few-where their artwork is popularized before they are able to see the success. Her photography is simply amazing, and that itself is an understatement. A New York native, Maier was semi-nomadic, capturing culture and life from her hometown to Chicago and Europe. From children to cityscape, Maier had a natural eye for bringing to life the mundane.
I’m not trying to join the bandwagon and shower praises upon her work. I am one to give it to you straight, no hold bars. Maier’s work is noteworthy. If you like what you see, there’s an exhibition of her photography on December 15 through January 28, 2012 at the Howard Greenberg Gallery in New York City. View it, digest it and add Maier to your list of artists. There is also a book of her work here that’s a good addition for anyone’s coffee table collection.
-Heather Liggins
Possessed of a scrappy, youthful verve lacking in its more prestigious neighbors… Fountain was distinguished by a vintage street/self-taught aesthetic… —ArtForum
Mark your calendars! In less than a month, Art For Progress is going to be part of the highly anticipated Art Basel Miami participating in the Fountain Art Fair, “the installation-based exhibition of avant-garde galleries and art collectives,” from December 1st-4th. Last year, the Fountain Art Fair celebrated it’s 5th year anniversary featuring musicians No Age, G. Love, Ninjasonik, and many more amazing artists alongside.
In closing to the art-packed weekend, AFP is hosting a party on December 4th at The Vagabond in Miami. The party will be a mash-up of art and music. With films curated by Daniel Maldonado, a fashion show featuring Lila Nikole’s swimwear collection, and funky beats dropped by Gatto, this party is one not to miss!
Keep up with AFP, as we will share more details about Miami Art Basel.
-Heather Liggins
Lance Dehne, Wanderer, 2002
Lance Dehne believes that “artineering is about ‘design-build’.” Born in San Bernardino, California in 1960, Dehne traveled the world and explored the different avenues of art. His primary focus is Conceptual Art, intertwining his background in engineering and artistry to construct these unique artworks. View more of his works here.
-Heather Liggins
Kenneth Yee, "O.C.T."
New York-bred painter, Kenneth Yee, is somewhat reminiscent of the renown Abstract, Minimalist artist of Cy Twombly. What are your thoughts on this artist?
View more of Yee’s paintings and here.
-Heather Liggins
“The Shanghai woman likes to draw attention to herself.”
Lu Kun’s philosophy of haute couture comes full-circle to any woman across the world, but the true inspiration for these elaborate designs is rooted by the women of his environment.
Lu Kun, 2010, Sustainable Fashion Show
Born and raised in Shanghai, China, Lu Kun has transformed the international scene of fashion since 2004. His unique design aesthetic intertwines the 1930s Jazz Era and modern style, creating a fitted silhouette that suits all women described by Kun as “Shanghai-Chic.” Through his detailed and embellished garments, Kun has been featured in elite magazines from domestic to international publications Vogue China, Elle China, Shanghai Daily, among more; collaborated with the legendary Moleskin company to custom design a notebook for the Detour exhibition and teamed-up with Dolce and Gabbana for the Spiga2 2011-2012 Fall/Winter show in 2010. This week we highlight fashion designer Lu Kun who’s featured on AFP’s website and has also been part of our annual Fashion Week show in 2008.
To view more of his recent designs, click here.
-Heather Liggins
Meet DJ Nickmatic. He has been producing progressive house music, mashing various styles together described as “deep, tech, and funky” since 1998. Nickmatic, also known as Nicholas Maddix, is one of the many artists that was featured this month on AFP’s website, and who has been shaping the underground world of music. If you’re a native of NYC or visiting the area, this well-respected DJ often plays at venues such as Le Souk, Sullivan Room, Pink Elephant, and most recently at Le Poisson Rouge last Saturday, October 15.
To listen, download, and find out where DJ Nickmatic is spinning next, click here.
-Heather Liggins
