CULTURE ISSUE 09
True Blue
The art of making
meaningful work.
SPRING / SUMMER 2018
PHOTOGRAPHY David Cortes
AYQA KHAN
ARTIST
“It’s important for me to use virtual platforms to express my sense of self, body, ideas, etc., because I like feeling connected to something bigger than myself. Virtual platforms are also a space for exchange. Radical learning happens online. The voices and histories that are centered are those of the cis, white, able-bodied. I am fighting to decentralize these voices.”
JACKET Krammer & Stoudt, Brad’s own shirt and glasses
BRAD OGBONNA
PHOTOGRAPHER
“Representation matters. I make a conscious effort to focus on highlighting the stories and people that reflect the world I live in. I would love for people to see the beauty that exists outside of what is considered conventional.”
DRESS Miu Miu, JACKET Sandy Liang
SANDY LIANG
FASHION DESIGNER
“I like to bring up certain social awareness issues via subtle ways. I had little tampons hidden in a print a while ago that was my way of saying, ‘Hey, let’s talk about tampons and periods and all that stuff that I was shy to talk about when I was growing up.’ I think it’s a responsibility of anyone who has eyes on them to stand up for what they believe in.”
From left on Erin: T-SHIRT Frame, her own jeans. On Travis: His own T-shirt, jacket, jeans. On Tim: JEANS Levi’s, his own T-shirt. On Dana: JUMPSUIT AYR
ERIN GREEN, TRAVIS KIEWEL,
TIM STRAZZA, DANA BOYER
“In the creative community, artists, people in fashion and music often lose sight of the reason they love art in the first place and let money influence what they do. You can be an artist and make a living, of course, but remember that being artistic is ultimately about the power of expression. We can use art as a tool for social changes and to help others in need, which can be much more influential and satisfying than just money in your pocket.”
Organizers of NY4PR, an art auction benefitting the victims of Hurricane Maria
DRESS SJYP, T-SHIRT Theory
TSCHABALALA SELF
ARTIST
“I try to create unique and complex narratives around individuals and communities that are often marginalized. It’s artists’ responsibility to foster better understanding in this world. I hope my work will inspire people to love themselves more and have more compassion for others.”
JACKET and SKIRT Tibi, SHIRT 3x1, vintage hat, EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher
ZOE ELISE BULLOCK
FILMMAKER
“Making art is a tool through which to see, and I am dedicated to a practice that reveals the structures of power in our society that shape us. It’s one of the few ways I’ve been given the opportunity to remake myself and the world around me after the experience of pain through oppression.”
SHIRT and PANTS J.Crew, SHOES Tibi
DENISE BIDOT
MODEL & ACTIVIST
“After a while you get tired of seeing society shame women for being full-bodied and curvy. I just felt like showing women that embracing authenticity can be the most
beautiful thing about you.”
STORY CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHY David Cortes, STYLIST Courtney Raniszewski, HAIR Levi Monarch,
MAKEUP Meredith Menchel, CASTING Cast Partner, SPECIAL THANKS Candy Studio
HERO IMAGE CREDITS
DRESS Adam Lippes, EARRING Andres Gallardo
Read more stories
