Right then, all of my posts seem to be about Rap-Art these days, but I've been feelin' the nagging feelin' that this doesn't really capture the whole "thing" - the thing is, even though I might not have broken into the industry in the way I thought would already happen (I admit to having been sliiiightly delusional) describing how I put on an event is not the only thing that is blog-appropriate. I mean, no matter what, I love street art and I love music. I love urban culture in general. I seek out anything street/art/music-related - outside, in galleries, in documentaries and fiction. I travel! I don't do it frequently but I do go places from time to time and I always make sure I am where the street art is.
I take pictures but haven't yet found an outlet for them as none of my friends are actually into "urban" and I don't get to share my excitement with them, unfortunately. That was until yesterday, when, duh, I realised that I can use the blog for that.
I admit, more often than not, I don't know the artists' names (unless of course I am in a gallery where they are on display) and my pictures will NEVER look anywhere near professional (I haven't carried a camera ever since iPhone was invented), but honestly it's never been a problem for me - looking is looking and seeing is seeing and enjoying is enjoying. And there's nothing more I enjoy while travelling than finding out where contemporary art is at!
At the end of May I went to South Africa (I know!!! It's been 6 weeks and I am still elated!) I took my girl Sofia and we spent 3 days in Cape Town and 4 days on a safari. (By the way, I defy you to go to SA and not cry in the car on your way back to the airport).
One day we were passing by the Sea Point park and Sofia wanted to get out and play, which we did. There were these random steel plates that made no visual sense but our tour guide explained that once you position yourself at a certain vantage point and look through the "target hole" (like S is doing in the picture) the plates align themselves into a rhino! This was super cool. "Rhinosaur" was designed by Andre Carl van der Merwe in order to protest rhino poaching (as you can see on the plaque, rhino victims have gone from singles to thousands in a matter of a few years).
Before going to Cape Town, I did my research and found out about this tiny "run-down" village of Woodstock, just outside Cape Town's centre, where a street art activist Freddy Sam started painting on its walls in 2010 and where now artists from around the world come to work. How cool is that!?!
It was pouring with rain on the day, and I mean no-jokes buckets of water, but nothing ruined the experience - the best street art around! Sofia was with me the whole time, refusing to wait somewhere inside and instead taking pictures! Haha I think she gets it from me ;p Pictures marked with "S" are hers.
S.
S. (I love this shot)
S.
We also saw this: an actual house where someone is living that probably used to look so very cute but is now just completely run down. I have a feeling it looked absolutely beautiful a couple hundred years ago. Now it just looks like something that might have looked beautiful a couple hundred years ago :D
Completed with this:
Then, soaking from all the rain, we went inside the Woodstock Exchange, sort of a hip place with its currently developing infrastructure of cute little cafes (vegan!), shops, even a shoe "factory" where you could literally see how shoes are made. And guess what: more art!
Bikes!
<3
S.
So there we go. An incredible, unforgettable, unbelievable trip and a day of streets, art, rain and exploration. I'm going to throw in a couple of pictures of Bo-Kaap - not exactly art, but definitely "street", and good God what a feeling being there gives!
PS. I'm sorry the pictures are so haphazardly positioned and sized - symmetry does not agree with me (or rather I do not agree with symmetry), I think I associate it with strict order or something. Anyway, hope you had a chance to adjust your eyes - sorry!
So, the third Rap-Art is happening next week, on Friday. I know!!! It's marking a year since the first one, too. I KNOW!!! Who'd have thought I'd get this far? (Not me.)
And with each event, writing of the press release is where I really have to get it straight and together and find the words (and thoughts) on what it is that I am doing and why. So I wrote this today and, if I am honest, I don't think I ever sounded so confident in what I'm doing before. My thinking is clear, my articulation is clear and most importantly my mission is clear.
I guess this is an evolvement. Because the thinking and the mission and even the articulation have always been there, of course, but as time goes by and after seeing how my ideas are received, and perceived, I noticed that it all changes and morphs and makes better sense.It's probably not going to stop either.
Anyway, have a read, I might be imagining my own epistolary perfection haha… But hopefully you will also get to understand where I am going right now - it is important. Xavier is helping me with this event (THANK YOU!!!) and I swear the musical line-up (I make sure I keep listening to everyone's EPs for at least a week before I get to hear them live) is oh. my. gawd. I already know that no matter how the night goes I will totally love it because some of this music is making my head spin. My biggest regret is that my baby Sofia has already gone on holiday and I can't take her to the soundcheck - I'd have loved to do that!
But as always, I'm leaving their names for after ;)
PS. You have not seen an awesome flyer until you've looked at this one:
I was one evening aimlessly surfing the internet and came across this illustration of 'Put a Ring on It':
It grabbed my attention (it's of Beyonce, so duh!)... and I discovered Nour Tohmé, the girl behind the incredibly creative drawmeasong project, where music and visuals come together in a series of wonderful - and fun! - illustrations to some of the world's most iconic songs. And that was that… Love at first sight... Although this happened months ago already I remember well how I went weak at the knees just seeing the works! I knew there and then I wanted these posters to be the visual part of Rap-Art. I mean, look what Nour says about this, how is this not the same manifesto as mine???
So it became a matter of convincing her - always such a scary subject. Honestly, a 'no' would have crushed me at that point. Writing-wise, I felt inspired and I don't think there would have been a way of stopping me haha!
Excerpt: "...Research has shown me that underrepresented
communities stay away from gallery spaces simply out of deep-rooted distrust
and misinformation that “art” is out of their reach and they wouldn’t be able
to “understand” it. My goal is to continue changing this attitude and encourage
ALL people, regardless of backgrounds, to visit gallery spaces and see that art
is inclusive and fun and relevant.
...With Rap-Art, I am working hard to do
events that would bring together rap music and visual, more “tradiditonal”, art,
as, like you, I believe the two are essentially the same thing.
...I think your works are amazing, and simple,
and musical, and so creative, they would be perfect for the message…"
So I sent this to both the email address and FaceBook, just to be sure, just to be absolutely sure, that Nour receives the message. A few days later she replied that she'd love to come to London and do it. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I was a happy bunny for a long time after that!
Around then, I went with my family to Paris for a few days and Nour and I had the chance to meet for tea and get to know one another a little bit. Just think about it, I went from not even daring to dabble in art up to a couple of years ago to having a meeting, for my own art event, with an artist in Paris. Ah that felt nice :)
It also felt nice (and by all means, still does!) to have had a prospect to work with a girl so talented and interesting and open-minded and hard-working. It was ("is" because we are keeping in touch?) an honour.
Now, for every Thank-You or Birthday message (even ones to Sofia's little friends) I use drawmeasong postcards and know that mine is already a unique gesture. Also, as I was getting the prints out of their frames to send them back to Paris, I decided that I really didn't want to part with them.
So, for an amazing price, they are now hanging on the walls of the hallway in my building and make me and my neighbours so happy!
Now on to the boys…
As predicted (feared?), boys were a lot of work - I music-researched for days non-stop: Soundcloud, Facebook, events, Twitter, YouTube - you name it I've likely checked it out. Musicians, collaborators, mentions, collaborators of collaborators - there's A LOT of material there. But my music taste is quite "limited", there are particular sounds that I enjoy and I listen out for what I enjoy... Although admittedly, during some of the searches I have begun to discover how awesome Grime can sound, which I was reluctant to give a chance to before. I've listened to a few VERY talented grime artists.
Anyway, as always, some musicians were unreachable - no contact details anywhere at all - some did not reply, some had manages that I chickened out of calling, some asked to be payed. But Rap-Art is non-profit - free for everyone to come and bring friends to and enjoy their evening, so, obviously, I couldn't. Maybe one day when Rap-Art is properly established and going in the right direction the artists will say Yes more easily - I'm telling you, there's some amazing music to be shared live!!! I can't WAIT for people to hear what's out there.
But let's go back to what they have already heard:
Dee Riginal. Now this one is a musical gem I'm proud of finding and also such a great guy! He came on time, hours before the gig, and spent almost the entire day at the gallery with me despite being completely sleep-deprived. His is AWESOME MUSIC and an irresistible attitude.
Next up: DIPS, who took me forever to find but turned out to be a cousin of the man who provides the speakers for the night. London is tiny! DIPS had very strong energy, I could see people really enjoying his set, which is all I ever ask for…
Oh but this tune is NICE, non?
Now, from the next artist, I won't lie, I didn't expect to hear a reply (and i honestly have no idea why) but I did (!!!!!!!!!) Richie Saps makes BEAUTIFUL music - the slow beats and type of flows I got so attracted to a few years ago when Hip-Hop became part of my life. I can confidently tell you that if you still haven't seen Richie live then you've missed out on a great experience.
Finally, last but so definitely not least, Shane Chubbz came back! Here I was, banging my head against the table certain that I can't make this event happen, when I received a DM asking me if he can perform for the second time. 'Flattered' was not the word. This time Shane came as part of The Contract to promote their awesome Jam on Scones EP. It was a GREAT performance, as per usual. Update (sort of): It seems Shane's decided to no longer make music, which I personally find quite sad, but which also means we had the opportunity to see him live that no one will again. It was an honour.
So here we go, Rap-Art 2, done completely on my own, for better or worse but of course for better - giving me the memories and maybe the confidence that I could do this again (that's a tricky one though, as I never believe I can do this again. Why IS that???).
Sorry guys, I have been/ am feeling very sick, hence the absence. Sick and weak and isolated and unmotivated. But I AM doing what I gotta do and so please, even though so incredibly late, let me tell you about my second Rap-Art!
1. The Negative Outlook (one I seem to adopt mostly)
Not as great a turn-out of people as at the first one. I spent a lot of the night feeling pretty down about this, Xavier spent a lot of the night calming me down and calling reinforcements even though it was too late for that. God bless Xavier and I will love him forever and I mean it.
So what was it? Was it the tickets? People "bought" them but then didn't feel like going? Or was it the '8PM start' on the flyer? To be fair, people kept coming as the night was unfolding, they simply were late… which wasn't a problem in itself of course but the music HAD TO start at 8 because the gallery was on curfew. We did wait of course, but unfortunately the first act did not have a full house. Which really REALLY is a bummer, because he was AMAZING and I will forever wish that more people could have heard him at Rap-Art. (I'll get to the artists in the next post).
Well, this is all still for me to analyse and experiment with in the future.
So yes, I spent the night sulking that it was not 'like the first one' and thank God for Catherine and Xavier who very rightly kept telling me to stop whining as by the end of the evening the gallery was actually full. I think I'm going to say this again, for my own reinforcement: The gallery was full - again.
2. The Positive Outlook
The artists were amazing and people turned up. And I mean new people, too! Which by the time the night was over meant that I now had two independent art/ hip-hop events under my belt. Gosh, it is not much at all, and together with the laziness that I seem to never stop battling and losing to, two events is nothing… except it's not. It is two events more than I have ever had :)
There were two people - Martin and Pete (so great to meet you both!) - from Preciptoman Radio, the radio that focuses on alternative rap, with whom I had a lovely chat about, well, whatever I know about alternative rap in the UK! I was extremely pleased that new people were actually able to hear about Rap-Art through searching Eventbrite, which was where we put our free tickets up, and now will use it again should another event take place.
3. The Best About It All:
The live music was overwhelmingly good.
The visual artist is an illustrator who came from Paris. Her friends came to support her and vibed to hip-hop music.
The artworks were appreciated by so many people!
My best friend came along and I had a wonderful time sharing the evening with her. Her gesture is so appreciated.
I got to spend time with the Asylum33 boys whom I am always so happy to see; and I caught up with TUA music whom I hadn't seen for so so long. What a pleasure! :)
I sold an art work (OMG!)
Most importantly, I watched very different people come together and enjoy themselves in the atmosphere of art and live hip-hop - this is what I want to work for.
What a great night, you know?
I even brought my Sofia with me, hoping that she would be able to listen to the soundcheck and see what mummy does from time to time but unfortunately it was getting late for her and she had to go home before the sound system arrived but I will make very sure she is there next time. Did I just say 'next time'?
I've pre-written a couple of posts during the 'intense' preparation period for Rap-Art, which is to happen in two days exactly, and I will roll them out as soon as the event is over. Can't afford to put my paranoid and psychotic behaviour out there before, something to do with acting like a leader (or not acting like a leader in my case). But I want to post this one now, for it is of MASSIVE GRATITUDE for all of those who are getting involved on Friday. The visual artist who's come all the way from Paris for this, the boys who will come and rap just for the love and, hopefully, the idea of it all, to Xavier who will be there helping me on the day because I swear I absolutely dread doing it alone.
I decided to not disclose any names here, I have kept them secret on the flyer too because at this point it looks like Rap-Art can for now afford to not be 'just another showcase' (although of course that's a massive part of it) but it can be an actual EXPERIENCE. People come, people look, people listen, people dance (not me). People meet other people.
So that's it, that's all I wanted to say here tonight. I'm off with the artist tomorrow morning to, um, hang up the artworks, and Sofia is on half-term so it's a very tight schedule. I dunno, am I supposed to quickly hammer them onto walls? And calculate where each work goes? As with all the challenges (admittedly), this one seems the biggest yet.
Other than that though, all seems ready. And 'sold out'. Unbelievable.
As 2014 is four days away from gone forever, this post is not so much a refection on the past as it is a possible of the future that is based on the successes and failures of the past year.
Also, as I was doing my music research I have come across this boy. Still can't figure out if he's English or American but can't say it matters. He dope. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjZwHhiCMfo
I went back yet again to L-B office, this
time finally got to speak straight to the director. Same old story though:
Sorry, we’ve no job to give you, same old reaction: I’m sure it’s a lie. We
spoke a little and in the usual midst of ‘I love your passion’ and ‘Just keep
following your dreams’ (what happens, btw, if my dream is to work at your company?)
out it came: ‘I choose to work with people I grew up with’. F-ck me, is this an
actual quality??? How can one ever learn and master THAT? Was this from the
beginning a battle I would never have won? For what it’s worth though, it was a
good fight – I look back and I know I could not have done more than I did. I
have to repeat to myself that whether you win or lose is unimportant, what
matters is did you fight hard enough. This time, I did, and of this loss, I’m
[almost] proud.
OK, so I won’t now learn anything from L-B
but I NEED to learn from somewhere. I am on a mission, haven’t you heard? Rap
is a legitimate art medium (says I), too many people shy away from the idea of
‘art’ and it’s ridiculous – art is fun, and relatable and beautiful! (says I).
I want to mix everything and everyone and achieve the elusive nirvana. This
comes from an outsider in so many senses, I KNOW what I’m talking about when
I’m talking about inclusiveness.
Oh and throw a party on top of it J
Thoughts keep looping around Rap-Art. Now
that I’m on my own I kept sh-tting myself but I’ve assessed and admitted my
weaknesses – such as I can’t go out at night and A&R the fresh talent – and
I seem to be extremely pressed for time – single motherhood has its ups but
good god!So I’ve started to wake up at
6am now (instead of 7.30) and I’ve looked for someone who can help with the
talent search. A poster/ flyer was designed so I could hand them out at gigs
and colleges but then my sister said she knew someone who’d be happy to help. His
name is Maye. We’ve met and he has the same sound tastes and preferences (my
only requirement for the ‘job’) but after the initial high came the familiar
low – it’s been two weeks and only one artist found. Well that’s no f-cking
good. I would need eight artists by now to feel secure enough to go on with
this. (By the way, is there anyone, ANYONE who actually does what he says he would
do? Excuses are EVERYWHERE.)
So I felt like I had to start looking
myself. Which is how I discovered STEEZ. Have you heard of STEEZ? Go ahead and
have a look, don’t do it on your lunch break: you won’t come out of the STEEZ
black hole until well into the night. What a goldmine! Listen to that music! So
I guess my search starts here. I have already emailed Loyle Carner and got absolutely
no reply.
Paranoia that no one else will ever reply aside, gotta work harder, gotta look harder.
Oh and I’ll be going to STEEZ night in two
weeks – on my own, to Lewisham. This will be my first all-nighter in years… and
the first ever for work. By the way, how does one get home from Lewisham in the
middle of the night?
In the meantime, I’m all inside YouTube.
That is when I’m not writing the blog, or searching for visual artists, or
being with my daughter.
Finally, here’s another situation assessment I
have done: to build a brand I need time, and time is the privilege that I no
longer have. If I am to go through with Rap-Art, I’m going to have to take out
a loan. Who needs to train themselves to wake up at 6 when you are no longer able to sleep at all!?
