What to Do in NYC This Weekend: Visit Spike Lee: Creative Sources Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum 

February 10, 2024

It’s not every day that you meet a living legend — but that’s exactly what happened when my son and I visited the Brooklyn Museum to see the Spike Lee: Creative Sources exhibition earlier this week.   

Believe it or not, shortly after entering, we spotted Spike Lee. Yes, the man behind the exhibit. What’s more, the prolific director was giving Jeffrey Wright, the Academy Award-nominated actor, a private tour. When I approached the accomplished pair, I was hesitant because I didn’t want to disturb them. However, I also didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to introduce them to my son who is already an aspiring director at the tender age of 10. They graciously obliged and offered to take photos and imparted kind and wise words before returning to their tour.

Spike Lee, my son, and Jeffrey Wright at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum.

After that unforgettable encounter, we continued making our way through the sprawling exhibition. If you’ve ever visited Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmmakers headquarters in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, you’ll recognize some of the priceless pieces from there, but also so much more. 

From movie posters to his coveted Oscars, the exhibition boasts more than 450 works drawn from his personal collection including signed musical instruments from iconic artists, prestigious artwork, pop culture memorabilia, and other cherished items.  

The exhibition is separated into several rooms dedicated to different aspects and inspirations behind some of Lee’s award-winning work. For instance, the first part of the exhibit is called, “Black History & Culture.” In this space, historical pieces like Sambo figurines and segregated water fountain signs were on full on display — influences behind his cult classic film, Bamboozled. Other areas housed other treasured pieces from his massive collection like storyboards from Do the Right Thing and letterman jackets from School Daze. Of course, as a major sports fan, there was also a room devoted to his beloved New York Knicks.  

Together they weave a vivid tapestry that thread Lee’s experiences and fuels his creativity and unmatched storytelling. 

If you haven’t made your way to Brooklyn to check out this incredible exhibition yet, you still have time. The exhibition officially closes tomorrow: Sunday, February 11. So, you’ll have to act fast, but I can guarantee it will be worth it. I just can’t promise that you’ll meet the legendary filmmaker and pop culture icon like we were so lucky to do.  

Click here for tickets and more information about the Spike Lee: Creative Sources exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum.

What’s your favorite Spike Lee movie?

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Category: Arts and Entertainment, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Crayola Launches New ‘Colors of the World’ Crayons To Represent Diverse Skin Tones

May 21, 2020

Budding artists rejoice!

Crayola just released a box of crayons with global appeal. Yup, the iconic brand has finally added an extensive array of shades mirroring skin tones ranging from creamy alabaster to rich mahogany, to their already colorful offerings. Basically, the inclusive box, dubbed, “Colors of the World” will feature a palette of realistic hues that reflect our beautiful and incredibly diverse society.

“With the world growing more diverse than ever before, Crayola hopes our new Colors of the World crayons will increase representation and foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance,” Crayola CEO Rich Wuerthele said in a statement. “We want the new Colors of the World crayons to advance inclusion within creativity and impact how kids express themselves.”

With 24 shades intended to represent 40 skin tones, those cute kindergarten self-portraits are about to get a major, true-to-life upgrade. Now, children will no longer have to substitute or mix colors to achieve their unique complexions.

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Crayola’s “Colors of the World” crayons available here, $3. Photo Courtesy of Crayola

Landing on the the specially formulated crayon selections took extensive research and rigorous consumer testing. To ensure that the color spectrum was as accurate and inclusive as possible, the brand partnered with Victor Casale. For more than 30 years, he’s led global color matching efforts for some of the biggest names in beauty including, Cover FX and MAC Cosmetics.

“I have spent my life trying to create truly global shade palettes because I know what it’s like to be with a person who has finally found their exact match,” Casale said in a release. “They feel included and recognized, and I am hoping every child who uses these crayons and finds their shade will have that feeling. Growing up, I remember mixing the pink and dark brown crayons to try and make my shade, so I was thrilled when Crayola asked for my help to create the Colors of the World crayons.”

Color us happy too. Bravo, Crayola!

Do you have a creative mini-me at home who will be happy to hear this news?

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Refinery29’s 29Rooms is Heading Back to Brooklyn

October 23, 2019

Cynics who thought selfies and perfectly curated Instagram feeds were going to fizzle out, fat chance. The photo-sharing craze that sends millennials into frenzies is here to stay, at least for the near future.

To satisfy the cravings of the photo-obsessed set, Refinery29’s 29Rooms is heading back to Brooklyn. That means it’s time to grab your bestie and your best outfit and get ready to strike a pose in front of some cool backdrops and artistic installations.

This year’s immersive exhibit will boast a bevy of local and nation, emerging and established collaborators across sectors including art, entertainment, politics and style. Each of the 29 rooms will be designed and curated under the “Expand Your Reality” umbrella, which encourages attendees to step into the unexpected and unleash their curiosity and creativity. The tour has already touched down in Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. Now it’s time for the interactive phenomenon to return home.

The Expand Your Reality tour continues at 25 Kent Avenue in Brooklyn from December 6-15. Get ready to rack up “likes” because your social media feed is about to get a major upgrade.

Check out some of the upcoming rooms:

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 17: Art installation featured in 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Chicago Tour opening night on July 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for IMG/Refinery 29 )

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 17: Art installation featured in 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Chicago Tour opening night on July 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for IMG/Refinery 29 )

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: The Art Park Atlanta piece by NNEKKAA at 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Atlanta Tour Opening Night at The Works on August 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Refinery29)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 28: The Art Park Atlanta piece by NNEKKAA at 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Atlanta Tour Opening Night at The Works on August 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Refinery29)

TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 26: General atmosphere at 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Toronto Tour Opening Night at Exhibition Place on September 26, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by GP Images/Getty Images for IMG/Refinery 29)

TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 26: General atmosphere at 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Toronto Tour Opening Night at Exhibition Place on September 26, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by GP Images/Getty Images for IMG/Refinery 29)

Tickets are available now at 29Rooms.com starting at $25.

Have you ever attended 29Rooms? If so, what was your experience? 

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L.A’s Cheat Day Land Museum Will Satisfy All Your Junk Food and Art Cravings

October 8, 2018

When it comes to food, we all have our vices. Maybe it’s chocolate or perhaps ice cream? No matter your preference, many people have their favorite junk food indulgences. That’s why visiting the Cheat Day Land Museum in Los Angeles was such a guilt-free treat.

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Comprised of 17 completely immersive, interactive exhibitions featuring common sweet and savory “cheat day” delights, the pop-up museum is a new, temporary installation for the Instagram set and art lovers alike. The photo-friendly destination celebrates junk food and turns some of the most popular cravings into masterful works of art.

Located in the heart of the art district, the fun and colorful displays are a welcome addition to the L.A art scene. Patrons can snap photos with giant soda pops and swing from donuts without worrying about pesky calories.

Created by a five-sibling team, the project is the brainchild of the eldest, Rubi Rymenmy. Ironically, Rymenmy and her family own a fitness studio on the southwest side of the city. Since they’re in the business of being fit and healthy, Cheat Day Land is an escape and manifestation of their own cravings. They know and acknowledge that everyone deserves desserts occasionally.

The family-run museum also showcases artwork from Rymenmy’s brothers. Their vibrant paintings give the space a pop-culture feel that will satisfy the cravings of foodies and art aficionados.

From hamburgers to pancakes, the pop-up is a must for those looking to “cheat” on their diets and indulge in a ton of fun!

Cheat Day Land opened October 1st and runs through October 31st. Tickets cost $38 and can be purchased here.  

Check out some of my pics from a special sneak peek:

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What’s your favorite “cheat day” food?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

‘¡CUBA!’ Opens at the American Museum of Natural History

November 22, 2016

This past Friday, my kids and I were able to get a sneak peek of the American Museum of Natural History’s newest exhibition, ¡CUBA! While they were pretty unfamiliar with the country, I was excited to learn about the place where millions of people call home and is less than 100 miles from Florida’s shores. And I was in for some surprises!

If you think Cuba is all about cigars and sandwiches, think again. The can’t-miss exhibit showcases the island’s incredibly rich culture and awe-inspiring biodiversity.

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Visitors are immersed in all things Cuba immediately upon entering the space. From the country’s iconic pastel-colored vintage cars to its mouth-watering cuisine, the exhibition explores the island nation’s traditions, history, unique nature and promising future.

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The exhibit opens with life-sized portraits of modern Cubans paired with excerpts from interviews, offering a chorus of voices from the area and abroad, young and old, urban and rural, pragmatic and optimistic. This inspiring display sets the tone for the entire exhibition.

Modeled after a winding boulevard, the main space serves as a striking replica of Cuban street life. With a bicycle and fruit stand in the middle of the floor, a  place of worship, cigar shop and a common store surround the area. There are also detailed native dishes such as rice and beans on display so visitors can really get an up-close-and-personal look into the lives of Cubans and their food. The grub looked so good and real, my son wanted to take a bite!

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As you walk further into the exhibit, guests are treated to amazing, bright and bold posters created by contemporary Cuban artists, which were commissioned to advertise plays, films, festivals, and concerts from the past decade. This section of the exhibit also has an interactive component where visitors can choose sculptures, paintings or performance art to be projected on the wall. My daughter found that to be a really cool element.

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Courtesy of AMNH

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Being the largest island nation in the Caribbean (it’s comprised of over 4,000 islands and keys), Cuba is home to 11 million people whose roots can be traced to indigenous people, Spanish colonists, African slaves, and immigrants from the Philippines, China, Europe, the Canary Islands, Jamaica and Haiti.

Cuba’s widespread diversity amongst its citizens isn’t where the diversification stops; it also boasts a wide-ranging variety of endemic plants and species.

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Courtesy of AMNH

The spacious exhibit also showcases ancient animals that once roamed the area in caves and wetlands, as well as those who still reside throughout the island today. From owls to alligators, the creatures on display are so extraordinarily life-like, my daughter was convinced they were real! I assured her that they were simply replicas, but she was steadfast in her observation. Those intricate fine points are what make the exhibition so impressive.

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Courtesy of AMNH

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“We really want to surprise our visitors with details about Cuba that they’ve never thought about before, with Cuba! co-curator Chris Raxworthy, curator-in-charge of the American Museum of Natural History’s Department of Herpetology,” said in a release.

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“We hope this exhibition relays an understanding of who the people of Cuba are, how the island nation is biologically unique, how it is connected to the world, and what it’s like to live in Cuba now.”

If their goal was to create a space where Cuba was exquisitely brought to life and visitors could get a glimpse into what the island nation is all about, mission accomplished.

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Courtesy of AMNH

¡Cuba! is open now through August 13, 2017. Click here for more information. 

Are you planning to visit the exhibition? What’s your favorite museum and why?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | Leave a Comment

Interview: Artist Mickalene Thomas On Her HBO Documentary ‘Happy Birthday To A Beautiful Woman’

February 24, 2014

Ever since seeing Mickalene Thomas‘ eye-catching portraits and colorful collages a few years ago, I’ve been captivated by her work.

That’s why I was surprised, yet thrilled to learn that the acclaimed visual artist’s latest masterpiece wouldn’t be adorned with her signature sparkly rhinestones or vibrant patterns affixed on wood panels, but instead would be a heartfelt story told through film.

Photo via www.mickalenethomas.com

Photo via www.mickalenethomas.com

“Happy Birthday To A Beautiful Woman,” is Mickalene’s first film project and will premiere tonight on HBO. The docu-short is a touching, semi-sad, celebratory ode to her mother,”Mama Bush,” who is also the subject and inspiration behind many of her portraits.

mama-bush

Mickalene’s undeniable creativity is showcased throughout the film as she allows photographs, music and cinematography to serve as powerful storytellers alongside her mother’s gripping recounts of dreams deferred, abuse, and addiction. Her story of struggle and overcoming adversity is universal, which is why this piece is sure to resonate with everyone, especially women.

“Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” premieres tonight, February 24 on HBO at 9PM EST.

I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Mickalene about the film, her mother and more. Check out the interview below:

BGG: “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” was excellent. I was so sorry to learn that your beautiful muse/mom passed away.  What was it like working with her on this project?
Mickalene Thomas: My mother is such an elegant and charismatic person. I think that was one of the reasons why I was always inspired by her…with her strength and resolve despite the difficulties (health issues, addiction and abuse) throughout her life. Doing this film allowed me to really see that person and love that person, which is why I wanted to make this film. Using her as a subject for this film was actually quite easy. Initially it was going to be an art show/project. But, after I conceived the idea and  talked to friends about it they suggested that I use film as a way to tell the story.

 

BGG: What do you want viewers to take from watching this film?
MT: I’d like for them to know what a great opportunity it was for me or anyone to create a great tribute to their mother. I think that’s something that we all hope to do in our own way in our lives no matter what we’re doing in the world. That’s why the title for me is so important. “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” is a title that signifies celebrating motherhood and womanhood. I think my mother putting that on her cake for her 50th birthday was a mantra for her because that’s the time when her health declined. It was the inspiration that she needed in order for her to persevere.

 

BGG: So it was easy for you to decide on “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” as the title, right?
MT: It was really easy because as I mentioned, she put it on her cake for her 50th birthday party.  During her party, I had taken a photograph of the cake. When I was filming her at her house, I saw that she had it framed and put it on her nightstand. It was then that I realized that the title was already there for me to use.

BGG: Do you plan on doing more films?
MT: Absolutely! I do plan on doing more films. I am really interested in filmmaking as a means to tell a story as an artist. I’m actually interested in doing  a semi-autobiographical feature film that deals with love (a love story).

 

BGG: Has your daughter (18-month-old Junya Rei) changed your approach to your craft? Will you incorporate her into your artwork?
MT: Yes, she actually has! My new body of work that I’m doing a preview of on March 6th (Brand New Gallery in Milan, Italy) is a tribute to that. It is very much childlike and free in dealing with geometric and formal aspects of painting. I think it has a lot to do with that child’s play of how kids see the world and them grabbing at things and having a response to what’s right in front of them. The portraits that I’m making are all untitled pieces because I want the viewers to have their own experience of the work; unlike my others that have titles that acts as a way of how it should be perceived.

 

BGG: The juxtaposition of patterns and the women in your paintings is so eclectic and beautiful, from where do you draw that inspiration?
MT: I was always looking at African textiles and photographs from African photographers from the 1970s and was just really inspired by those patterns. I also drew inspiration from my own family (my grandmother) and started bringing them into the work to create environments for my portraits.

 

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BGG: How has fashion influenced your aesthetic?
MT:  For me, fashion has always been a part of my aesthetic. The patterns I use, the fabrics that I’m interested in, and juxtaposing them with what the women are wearing in my portraits is very important. I look at fashion spreads for composition and how some of the women are posed, as well as  historical art compositions. And, I like fashion myself.

 

BGG: I know that rhinestones are prominently used in your work, tell me about that decision.
MT: Rhinestones are sort of a primary fashion aesthetic that’s used in a lot of fantastic dresses and garments throughout the world. They have always been a part of my process. One of the reasons why I’m interested in using them is because they come from very high to low quality. They’re these pieces that you put on to embellish or to make something  more beautiful or to stand out. So these notions of beauty signify the same sort of thing in relationship to how a young girl emulates her mother by learning how to dress. So those are transformed through the relationship of young girls and how they see themselves through their mothers. And I think that’s why I use my mother a lot in my work.

 

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I really want people to  hold on to this title (“Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman”) because it’s not just about the woman being beautiful on the outside, it’s the whole woman and what we represent in the world: what we go through, how we persevere, how we give life, how we struggle, how we uphold families and how we persevere and the tenacity of what a woman is from the inside out.

 

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BGG: What has been your proudest moment thus far in your career?
MT: At this moment I would say that this documentary is one of my proudest moment because it has transcended beyond the boundaries of my own work of only being in art galleries and museums . It’s reaching a larger public audience of people that I don’t think I’ve ever imagined to reach. There are very few creations in the world that break the barriers where it allows for a larger audience. I think film, music, and literature do that where more people can see it and be inspired by it.

 

Will you be tuning in “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman” tonight?
Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Interviews | 1 Comment

Interview: Renaissance Woman Amanda Seales Talks Beauty, Music and More!

June 5, 2013

We all have our creative sides, but it seems like God gave Amanda Seales  (formerly known as Amanda Diva) a little more than the rest of us!

The Los Angeles native, 31,  who calls New York City home is an all-around Renaissance woman. If being one of the hottest and most sought-after DJs in the city isn’t enough, the multi-talented Columbia University alum is also a visual artist, poet, playwright, singer/songwiter, entrepreneur, TV personality and the host of the recently wrapped VH1 show, “Masters of the Mix: Season 3.”

I recently caught up with the girl-about-town diva to dish about her inspiration, beauty routine and of course, music!

Check out the Q&A below:

Amanda-Seales

BGG: Your artwork is absolutely beautiful! What do you enjoy creating the most?

Amanda Seales: Thank you! Lately I’ve found myself becoming more interested in going the fashion route with my art I’ve really enjoyed spicing up pieces like purses, bangles, denim. Eventually I’d like to have my won clothing and home lines. I also really love doing big pieces. I don’t really get the chance to because of time and space (these NYC apartments aren’t great for that) but I love the feeling of accomplish after I finish and seeing what started as a little thought in my mind realized tangibly on a big canvas.

AS-Soul_Fro_BagSoul Fro Canvas Tote Bag available here, $30

BGG: During your travels, what country or city inspires you the most?

AS: Paris. Hands down. It’s so aesthetically beautiful yet gritty it is as if it were built for the specific purpose of inspiring artists!

BGG: What do you think are the challenges (if any) that female DJs experience that their male counterparts don’t have to deal with?

AS: Dudes hollering at us while we’re in the booth. (laughing) You have no idea how annoying it is and the insipid questions like, “So you be djaying??” CLEARLY.

BGG: Being the epitome of a Renaissance woman with a super busy schedule, what are your beauty & hair secrets to always looking camera-ready?

AS: As far as beauty secrets I’m pretty simple. I wash my face daily with Oil of Olay Total Effects. In regard to makeup, I use the Bobbi Brown Bronze “Shimmer Brick” as a shimmer and love a pop (of color) on the lip and I try to get creative with my eyes. On shoots, I have makeup artists use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation as it’s less wearing on my skin. Dairy gives me pimples on my forehead so I try to stay away but damn, that Haagen-Daz is SO inviting!

Bobbi-Brown-Shimmer-Brick

As far as my hair, I also keep that simple too! I wash my hair about every other day and comb it out and condition on weekends. In the shower I use Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo and Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner. For daily upkeep, I use Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk as a leave-in to keep my curls defined and voluminous.

BGG: You have such a refreshing personal style. How would you describe it in three words?

AS: Thanks! I never really considered myself stylish but I’ve really been giving more effort to it so that means a lot! Amazing designer Sharufa Walker of Jinaki gave me some great advice she said, “Amanda you are gifted with use of color on canvas. Use that same gift and apply it and treat yourself like the canvas and your clothes like the paints.” That has totally changed my mind frame and given foundation to my style over night! I would describe it as Colorful. Classy. Feminine.

BGG: Like most of us, music is a huge part of your life. When did you know that you wanted to make a profession out of it?

AS: I honestly never knew. It just happened. One day I was doing poetry and after the show was offered a job as a radio host at Sirius Satellite Show. I was always a music lover but it was then that the hobby became a profession.

BGG: Being an ‘80s baby, you’ve seen hip-hop undergo many changes. What do you think of today’s hip-hop landscape?

AS: Blechhhh.

BGG: If you could only play one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?

AS: Bob Marley “Legend” because it is multi-dynamic musically and emotionally. There is a song for every feeling and mood.

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BGG: Being so multi-talented, what do you envision for your future career-path?

AS: In the future I want to continue to raise the platform on which I’m hosting and creating. Whether it’s programming content, art, djaying, or written work (plays/books), I am ready to elevate and have my own television show, book, branded endorsement featuring my art, etc . I also hope to be able to one day live comfortably and consistently off of my prolific mind.

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BGG: I know that you often speak with young women in college, what has been your best advice to them?

AS: I feel like only they would know what my best advice to them has been, but I try to always instill in them the importance of preservation of integrity and the importance of education. Those are two things that no one  can take from you!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Interviews, Uncategorized | 2 Comments