Best of 2015: Nina Chanel Abney & Jordan Casteel Respectively Spread Truth, Justice, And Love

Nina Chanel Abney placed oppressive dangers on the canvas-- albeit large scale sized in her October 15, 2015-November 15, 2015 show at Kravets|Wehby Gallery.  This is Why, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 96" x 194," 2015.

"It is an artist duty to reflect the times in which we live." 

Nina Simone is right.

Black Lives Matters has been one huge defining movement built from the anger and aggression of living in an unjust, oppressive system called "America." A most disheartening couple of days with juries choosing not to indict the prison responsible for Sandra Bland's "suicide" or not holding the officers accountable for murdering Freddie Gray or Tamir Rice. The list of police and "vigilantes" getting slaps on bloody, guiltless wrists continues to grow. Without shadow of a doubt being born black is rules enough for ones own death regardless of age.

Art becomes reason to create, to let out agitated breath.

In New York City, two prominent female painters created two different poignant bodies of work in their separate solo shows-- Nina Chanel Abney and Jordan Casteel. 

Embedded with imperative numerology and capitalized text, Abney shed a grisly confrontational reflection on police brutality, on white supremacy. Her exhibition, ironically entitled "Always a Winner," depicted that marginalized people cannot rely on heroes vilifying them. It's the marginalized people being on the other end of blasted words and guns-- those are the reaped benefits, the prize rewards of existing. Black men are treated like vicious criminals and black women are objectified.

According to the dictionary police means "the civil force of a national or local government, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order."

Except, Abney has painted police officers as demonic monsters abusing power, matching the ferocity of a barking dog. They are violent in action and appearance, looking stern, remorseless, inhuman. 

Sophisticated strategies between flat colored imagery and volumetric line were instrumental elements of Abney's traumatic narratives. Crowns are repetitive shapes around vulnerable black bodies. Yet broad markers and thick strikes indicated the significant body count rising and rising each day-- whether it's endless incarceration or the cycle of hashtag death toll. The censor and uncensored scenes were familiar territory, opening painful wounds and deep sorrow. 

Who, unique ultrachrome pigmented print, acrylic, spray paint on canvas,

96" x 112," 2015. 

What, unique ultrachrome pigmented print, acrylic, spray paint on canvas,

96" x 112," 2015.

Where, unique ultrachrome pigmented print, acrylic, spray paint on canvas,

96" x 96," 2015.

While Abney kept a blatant opened mind on brutal events, at Sargents Daughters, artist Jordan Casteel somberly painted the black male body alive and in sync with another black male body. In "Brothers," large scale portraits intimately portrayed positive relationships, fulfilling a kindred need to reveal the sincere tenderness the black male feels for another black male. It was the kind of support, love, and companionship rarely bestowed in societal reflection-- a wonderful humanized character trait. 

Newspapers are always so quick to bring up the dreadful past whether it be poor education or juvenile detention or jail lockups, but never consider the bonding of blood relations and friendship family. Casteel's layered brushstrokes and beguiling color choices set an affectionate mood, dismissing contrived filter and putrid garbage. Each composition held beautiful integrity, a beautiful story to share. 

Jordan Casteel's ardor for black male figures and their loved ones made for a thought-provoking display of courage at her Sargent's Daughters show from October 16, 2015-November 15, 2015. Marcus and Jace, 72" x 54," oil on canvas, 2015.

Casteel's work is so moving, so pivotal, so necessary that it's impossible to not want to linger further at not just the faces and the hands, but the environments where these beautiful brown bodies are placed, positioned. Objects, books, important colors signify great importance, a wealth that is not necessarily monetary. 

These valued bonds are irreplaceable.

Three Lions, 54" x 72," oil on canvas, 2015.

Miles and Jojo, oil on canvas, 54" x 72," 2015.

Ron and Jordan, 72" x 54," oil on canvas, 2015.

Nina Chanel Abney and Jordan Casteel let known that the only times privileged to a marginalized body is the time allotted until law catches up to them.
Abney told harsh fathomless aftermath. Casteel embraced heartfelt calm before petulant storm.
Together both women artists reflected on history's past and present, leaving behind strong conscious fist bumps in the midst of their visual geniuses.

Butternut Squash Cheeze Sauce & Shells

Butter squash is transformed into a wonderful Velveeta like sauce.

Bah humbug!
Yesterday was the first Christmas I've ever spent alone.
No family or friends.
I watched holiday classics on Youtube and went out to see the latest Star Wars movie in the strange rain.
For a timid feast, desire brewed to concoct a comforting holiday pleaser similar to the Cinderella squash shells Vegan Eats and Treats created. Instead, I wound up mirroring Oh She Glows' butternut squash cheeze sauce. I took the oils and butters away plus did not have arrowroot powder or Dijon mustard. I boiled butternut squash, not too keen to wait on the roasting or roast in extra oils and whatnot. Just slowly, trying to escape from too much badness. I plan to switch from full fat coconut milk to lite coconut milk on the next go round.
Now Butternut Squash Cheeze Sauce over pasta shells--with its creamy, smooth quite impeccable cheesy taste--  turned out surprisingly well for a lonely meal. It almost tasted Kraft like, but better, more sophisticated and animal free. Still, I wished to have found giant shells. Of course, if I had there would be no leftovers. I'm determined to change that over-indulgent, gluttonous part of myself.
However, if anyone knows a grocery store selling larger pasta shells help a lady out anyway.

Butternut Squash Sauce & Shells Ingredients and Preparation

1 1/2 cup water
2 cup butternut squash, cubed
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cup shell pasta

Bring butternut squash to a boil for 13-15 minutes. Drain.
Pour butternut squash into a blender or food processor. Add coconut and almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Puree until rich and smooth.

Pureed to perfection.

Poured over warm shells.

Served with gardein's Turk'y Cutlets and balsamic Brussels sprouts and walnuts.

Yummy central!

Shameless promotion because it tasted so good.

Creamy Coconut Polenta Part 100

Served with gardein's amazing Golden Fishless Filets, Creamy Polenta Part 100 has it all.

I'm making it a goal to rely on cooking with water instead of oil. In fact, I would rather use the oils for my hair and body. It's mighty expensive buying two coconut oil jars and two olive oil bottles every so often-- my hair thirsting for it more.
Although healthiness is key (very very soon), this recipe falls by the wayside thanks to Trader Joe's Coconut Cream- rich and extra thick and yes-- full fat. It adds oomph to my usual polenta dinner, melting into the pot like the perfect vegan cheese. I call this a 100th version because I've made so many creamy polentas that 100 must be the number we're at on the blog. Next to mac n cheese, polenta is way up on the I Have A Lot of Versions of This One Recipe.
After the polenta is cooked (with my favorite vegetable- broccoli), I smash it with the back of a spoon into the water (don't fully drain) and the guilty as sin coconut cream. Gotta love that instant mashed potato presentation. I relished its lush creaminess, lapping it up with crisp pan seared gardein. Funnily enough, I discovered one does not need to oil the pan to fry the fish free meat alternative. Thank heaven for that.

Creamy Coconut Polenta Ingredients and Preparation

1 cup water
1/2 Trader Joe's Polenta, chopped
1/2 cup broccoli, frozen (or any vegetable, your personal favorite)
1/3 cup Trader Joe's Coconut Cream
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bring water and polenta to a boil. Add broccoli (or any other frozen vegetable) and cook for an additional eight minutes.
Drain.
Stir in coconut cream, red onion, nutritional yeast, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Serve hot.

A simple meal ready in less than fifteen minutes.

Like mashed potatoes, but possibly guiltier.

Best of the Year: Vegan Yogurts By Daiya Foods & Kite Hill

2015 was definitely the year of yogurt bliss.

Silk, So Delicious, Whole Soy & Co., Almond Dream, and Nancy's have serious competition. Uber popular Daiya Foods and artisan almond milk company Kite Hill introduced their own fruit filled refrigerated, protein packed soy and dairy free alternatives.
Both brands had distinctive qualities, making it impossible to truly crown a champion. 
I enjoyed Daiya's rich, ultra thick Greek style and Kite Hill's superbly sophisticated creation. At Whole Foods Market, Daiya is priced at $1.69 and Kite Hill (a Whole Foods Market exclusive) is priced at $1.99-- so as far as breaking budget goes they're reasonable for vegan yogurt standards.
Try out these great treats alone or place them in a smoothie like here! 
Either way, I hope Daiya and Kite Hill's new yogurts stick around to 2016 and beyond!

Kite Hill's Strawberry was an amazingly whipped treat. Real tart strawberry bits in a smooth, velvety cream unlike yogurt of the past.

Move over Chobani! Daiya's Blueberry is thick and luxurious with delightful bursts of juicy, plump blueberries....

while Kite Hill's Blueberry is like blended cream. Nothing artificial about the flavor. Pure perfection.

Daiya's Black Cherry is my favorite-- likely due to both my partial love for cherries and that irresistible thickness that feigns ice cream.

Gift Idea: Pumpkin Rice Crispy Treats

A special someone would be utterly charmed by this tasty concoction.

Christmas is just five days away!
There's something so special about a rice crispy treat. Imagine giving that away as a present.
Put a little sweeter twist with additive pumpkin flair. Pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin seeds are mixed in traditional batter, and when cooked together with melted Dandies marshmallows expect the kitchen to be a fragrant autumn enchantment only lacking colorful leaves falling downward.
I sampled a few for breakfast, impressed by the scent and delightful flavor, the pleasing warmth blended well together. Plus, being a visual person, I adored the family of orange colors with pops of green.
If this is too risky of a gift idea, especially if your special someone doesn't like pumpkin, try these original rice crispy treats-- my first foray into making a childhood classic! 

Six ingredients away from a treat!

Pumpkin Rice Crispy Treats Ingredients and Preparation

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 10 oz bag Dandies Miniature Marshmallows
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
5 cup Crispy Rice Cereal
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)

In a medium temperature skillet, heat up olive oil with marshmallows, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend well. When melted, turn off stove and add in crispy rice cereal a cup at a time and pumpkin seeds a tablespoon at a time.

Press mixture down onto foil or parchment paper in a pan. Store at room temperature or refrigerate.

Cut into bars and prep for gift wrapping, but save a few for yourself. Tis the season.

Pensive Intimacy Fills the Impermeable Void

Untitled, 10" x 12," oil on canvas, 2015.

"I belong to no race nor time. I am the eternal feminine with its string of beads."

The blunt honesty expressed in Zora Neale Hurston's piercing essay, "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," offers profound insight on the emotional weight a talented woman of color bears. She describes being "a dark rock surged upon, and overswept" yet states value in self-importance while simultaneously critiquing pitfalls of the burdensome sharp colored object propped against white background.
Perhaps this text has been reinterpreted in visual sphere, preparing an attentive audience for rapt vulnerability shrouded in comfortable safety, in an unexpected degree of much needed solidarity and compassion.

Apparition as Inheritance, 10" x 12," oil on canvas, 2013-2015.

Exactly one month ago, in the dimly lit Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts auditorium, renowned painter Jennifer Packer discussed bridging historic artists with contemporary, painting presenting a meaningful and extraordinary challenge, and the importance of mapping out a space-- a space primarily for the isolation racial identity potentially symbolizes.

Bouquet, 24" x 14," oil on canvas, 2013-2015.

Sikkema Jenkins & Co. latest exhibition features three other phenomenal women artists: Leslie Hewitt's conceptual photographs purposely propped at diagonal angle on the ground, Jennie C. Jones' gray framed graphic jagged edges and minimalist jazz notes, and Josephine Halverson's seemingly repetitive trompe l'oeil scenic window paintings. Behind them awaits Packer's "Breathing Room," a resplendent calm after pleasing thunderstorm, an almost numb captivation. Shifting from small intimate scale to vast proportion, her collected flowers and human beings take on a hallowing effervescence. Like charged veins pumping oxygen to heart, scrapes of pure white and raw canvas seep through golden yellow filters. Poignant attentiveness to detail in Apparition as Inheritance captures a lost secret into its irresistible Venus fly trap-- the thin lines of exposing Venetian blinds let touching acknowledgement sift inside. Among gathered mass, implanted feet of a relaxed figure break through mysterious fortress, presenting truest feeling of being present, being alive.

Ain't I?, 96" x 48," oil on canvas, 2013-2015.

These impressionable flowers and dominating figures must be planned, must be calculated, belonging in their respective environments, awestruck light clinging to protagonists. One compelling discovery is seeing the black body, the brown body having an ethereal, almost angelic appearance, an exact opposite of how oppressive media portrays a black body, a brown body to be. Transparencies evoke such a wondrous language full and lush, like fluid watercolors and opaque gouache playing melodies together. It is oil paint on a journeying limbo between textured application to an almost ghostly tremble.

April, 24" x 14," oil on canvas, 2015.

Packer concocts a brilliant density rivaling radiant summer sun rays. She unleashes anchor of careful intricacy, revealing her arsenal in manner of which an eyeball, an arm, a petal are tenderly defined. Other places are clandestine shadow bathed in a porous glow too genuine to be considered artificial. Opulent flowers burst within metaphoric midst. Bouquet is a startling energetic firework. Yet Untitled seems determined to leak unattainable fragrance in the subtle confines of its yellowed radiance, perhaps a confessional metaphor for "eternal feminine with its string of beads."
Still, composed figures have engaging perspective from straight forward to foreshortened view. Each centered subject symbolizes a powerful, undeniable presence. In April, the female body is laid back against an ordinary chair frame, hands folded at her middle, black boots at forefront. The most startling, most arresting moment is the precious luminosity entering in and out of her, from skin to clothing fabrics to the boots, that gleaming luminosity is a magical pull towards imperial affection.
Monochromatic color is exhausted into the existence of its potential. For example, William is brown paint collapsing on top of white, emerging in the white, building up a thickened plot of complex tension uttering frustrated agony over being a marginalized body in solemn suspension. The lone figure sits in butterfly position-- opened knees forming a v shape, hands resting on tops of knees. He activates canvas entirety, packed in that one brown paint tone (sepia? umber?), disappearing in white.

William, 72" x 48," oil on canvas, 2013- 2015.

Packer's provocative artistry mirrors discernible fragments of Hurston's prose, announcing the very solace oxygen provides all life to earthly exist, the uneasy qualms of societal conviction, the fragile circumstances that comes with being born a peripheral person, and the limited time that can be sliced away with an oyster knife. Pride and joy and love wraps around flowers and figures, persuading viewers to succumb to imperial affection.
"Breathing Room," which houses "no great dammed sorrow in soul or lurking behind eyes," is up at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. until January 23, 2016. 

Best Vegan Beauty Bets of the Year

Some of the best products purchased this year.

I love reading Essence Magazine, especially the natural hair care section and the beauty products guide catered to sisters of color. However, it's hard to fully commend products that are not cruelty free, contain parabens, mineral oil, and other kinds of vegan gal no nos.
I have compiled a list of my favorite treats for face, skin, and hair. I wish every great thing I have is good for everyone, but each of us has different reactions due to skin and hair type. Perhaps maybe certain company joys such as Shea Moisture and Sukin have a specific line for you.

Face:

Hurraw has a way with the lips.

Facial Soap: Shea Moisture's African Black Soap left my skin clearer. Using it with their Facial Scrub is a plus.
Toner: evanhealy's Rose Petal Facial Tonic HydroSoul replenishes and keeps the skin breathably hydrated. The smell is lovely, making one feel as though they're spraying spring bloom on their face. It's such a rewarding experience tucked in a bottle, like a spa treatment. Plus on its eloquent glass is the quote, "may all beings everywhere be happy and free." Yes. I agree.
Moisturizer: Sukin's Facial Moisturiser performs its job above satisfactory. It makes my face so plaint and smooth that I find it hard not to touch my softened, youthful cheeks. I don't think my face has ever been this moist. Chocolate cake should be jealous.
Makeup Remover: Organic Coconut Oil wipes eye makeup right off and prepares skin for gentle cleansing with a very soft finish. Alba Botanical's 3-in-1 Clean Hawaiian Clean Towelettes also provide a quick solution when too tired to run water.
lips: Everyone knows I have a huge vegan balm obsession. It's a huge tie between Hurraw's pretty red tinted black cherry balm and sweet smelling chai tea lip balm and Le Couvent Des Minimes Lip Balm in Orange Blossom. All three keep my full lipped pout in moist glory and light glossiness. Le Couvent Des Minimes is both a moisturizer and lip treatment that smells enticing. However, it's Hurraw's chai tea that tells a story of the best winter beverage next to hot chocolate.  
homemade tip: A tiny bit of coconut oil or olive oil rubbed between the hands and applied to the face in a circular motion provides dewiness. Remember a little. Too much will make skin greasier than a potato chip coated in cheap Vaseline.

Body:

Well moisturized skin is especially important for winter dryness.

Body Wash: Shea Moisture's Olive & Green Tea Body Wash W/ Avocado gives a gentle, ultimate cleansing experience. Two kinds of honeysuckle, shea butter, and other pleasing ingredients help to keep skin soft and beautiful.
Moisturizer: Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Line. I use the Bath, Body, & Massage Oil w/ Gluten Free Vitamin E, the Dry Oil Mist w/ Songyi Mushroom Extract, and Body Butter w/ Gluten-Free Vitamin E. Talk about a sun kissed, glowing delight for the body. My skin feels loved and cherished by products that apply and blend as though natural essentials were just meant to sink right in.
homemade tip: 1/4 cup olive oil + 2 tablespoon raw sugar + 1 teaspoon lemon juice is a great exfoliating treat. Get rid of those pesky dry skin cells and polish your body to a whole new radiance. Best used on dry skin before showering.

Hair:

Taliah Waajid's Curly Cream has been a rewarding find.

Shampoo: Kinky Curly's Come Clean removes scalp buildup and leaves behind a lovely fragrance.
Conditioner: Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Conditioner has been a godsend, keeping hair easily manageable, soft, and a pleasure to afro pick out. I use it both for conditioning and in a little squirt bottle mixed with water as a daily leave in conditioner.
Cream: Taliah Waajid's Curly Curl Cream gives the best twists ever. After washing and conditioning, I add in the cream, twist two strands together, and put on a satin nightcap. In the morning, perfect sheen and well defined spirals.
Oils: Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, and Africare's 100% Glycerin keep hair in tip top shape. Each give my thick hair a certain kind of lustrous sheen- an important beneficial trait to carry in the arena of keeping high maintenance natural hair strong and healthy.
homemade tip: for an ultra deep conditioning treatment, soak the hair in a huge amount of coconut oil (like to an almost dripping consistency), cover overnight with a conditioning cap, and wash it out in the morning before shampoo and conditioner.

Tofu Scramble With Sweet Potato & Red Quinoa Patties

Breakfast had a sweet flare this morning.

Boca has a new delicious veggie burger out-- sweet potato and red quinoa. It's amazing! The flavors are wonderful and the texture is firm and dense. As the frozen patties go to work on a gently oiled skillet, delightful aroma fills the kitchen with notes of warm ginger and fragrant cinnamon. So yes, Boca certainly receives extra bonus points for smelling better than a Yankee Candle.

Mmmmmhmmmmmm. Sweet potato + red quinoa equals perfect idea.

I'm lying low on the frozen processed vegan foods front and desire to start my upcoming 4th year of veganism on a cleaner, lighter foot.
However, these new yummy burgers and a few gardein specialties shall take up freezer residence every now and then. I will never stop supporting the enjoyable and appreciate strenuous efforts in creating amazing alternatives for those who love animals so much they can't bear to eat them. Vegan possibilities are endless. Good health food has evolved beyond Whole Foods Market with chains like Trader Joe's, Superfresh, and Aldi's offering name brands at lower prices.
Nothing is a Kroger though. I miss Kroger immensely. *sighs over-dramatically and tries not to sob*
Boca's Sweet Potato & Red Quinoa patties provide tasteful texture and hearty flavor to traditional tofu scramble. By taking the place of a sweet maple sausage in a most satisfying way, mashing and serving them up is bound to both please and sate morning hunger.   

Tofu Scramble With Sweet Potato & Red Quinoa Patties Ingredients and Preparation

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 Boca Essentials Sweet Potato & Red Quinoa Patties
1/2 extra firm tofu block, crumbled
3 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fry patties according to package directions. Break apart the patties.

Add crumbled tofu and seasonings.

Cook for 5- 7 minutes.

Serve with your favorite morning drink. Some love coffee, but I'm an orange juice or hot chocolate lady.

Scrumptious.

Chocolate Raspberry Sauce

A chocolaty fruit infused sauce can be stored from 7-10 days depending on which form of raspberries used.

How about making chocolate raspberry sauce, pouring thick luxury in a glass jar, and placing a bow tie around the lid? It's plausible. Chocoholic friends will swoon. Raspberry lovers will be thrilled.
Holiday desserts are the best. Creative bakers seem to be at their most artisan peak, standing over hot ovens (and freezers if raw makers), excited for homemade pies, cakes, and tarts. Sweetened chocolate meets tangy ripened raspberries in a tantalizing sauce meant to trickle over the most decadent creations.
Chocolate raspberry Sauce can be perfect hot fudge sauce substitute, a maple syrup replacement, cake icing and more. The possibilities are endless. And sweet.

Chocolate Raspberry Sauce Ingredients and Preparation

1/3 cup almond milk
1/4 cup vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon Bee Free Honee (agave nectar or maple syrup too)
1/3 cup raspberries (or raspberry jam)
3 tablespoon Trader Joe's coconut cream
1 teaspoon raspberry extract 

In a medium saucepan, combine almond milk, chocolate chips, and sweetener.
Once the chocolate is completely melted, add in raspberries (or jam), coconut cream, and raspberry extract.
Turn off heat and carefully fill a jar.
Keep refrigerated. Can be served warm or chilled.

Chocolate Raspberry Sauce is good for pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream, French toast, or a Daiya Cheezecake-- very delicious concoction by the way.

Rich, creamy cheezecake slice greeted in a chocolaty flair topped with bonus plump raspberries.

Little raspberry flickers make all things perfect.

Best of the Year: Basquiat's Retrospective at Art Gallery of Ontario, Spring Break

Advertised around Toronto street signs to this subway station, Jean-Michel Basquiat rained all over the vibrant city.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Now's the Time" retrospective at the Art Gallery of Ontario was an amazing spectacle, a treat for a Basquiat novice. I had always treasured Julian Schnabel's film starring Jeffrey Wright as the locc'ed 1980's beauty. Yes beauty. The man was a beautiful genius- a bonafide genius-- touching the world with his massive abstract expression meets graffiti street style diaries. He had a finesse in style, wearing suits and sporting a shaved head or thick locs twisted in suspenseful direction.During my spring break in March, I had the gracious opportunity to visit the AGO with a sweet dear friend. I learned more about Basquiat, further than what Google and Wikipedia could document. This introduction to viewing his work in the flesh unveiled meaningful marks, thickly applied shapes, and intimate trilingual language stories arranged purposely among the acrylic, oils, oil stick on found surfaces such as cardboard, scrap paper, and anti-art school canvas supports. From museums to private collections all around the globe, Basquiat's pieces of raw gritty honesty filled minds and hearts with a tenacious presence that stayed consistent throughout the course of walking through the massive exhibit. He lingered in between worlds-- the worlds of Picasso, Da Vinci, and other art history cannon men to the harsh abrasiveness one sees in the tough streets. Much like seeing the journals at Brooklyn Museum, AGO's display of Basquait's unique oeuvre stretched out tearful prose in painting and drawing form. The curators tied together civil rights events, featured Basquiat's family and those who have studied Basquiat, and stock footage videos of the young aerosol lover. Intense compositions articulated the stigma of racial tension, the raspy eloquence found in rapturous jazz notes, animated violence in ill-humored cartoons and comic strips, and deeply personal narrative about his very existence as an American black man.
While there were paintings, drawings, and sculpture, Roland Hagenberg's rare, very candid Basquiat photographs near Frank restaurant were displayed. The sophisticated black and white shots range from showcasing Basquiat's serious commitment to art, his stark intelligence, his overwhelming confidence, and his vulnerability.
Thus, I saw "Now's the Time" twice, lingering in a supreme validation that made my love for him blossom like fragrant flowers in a watered garden. Although solemn and silent, attached to walls, I heard his screams, his protests outlined in the strong, aggressive prowess of varied technical precision and powerful language.
And that incredible talent crowned my ardor with great sublime joy.