Revealing the raw reality through photography. Photographer, singer and artist, Ana Maria Arévalo raises awareness through emotive and honest storytelling. Creatively she uses her superpowers to encourage a lasting social change.
All images by and courtesy of Ana Maria Arévalo Gosen
Website: anamariaarevalogosen.com
Instagram: @anitasinfiltro
Facebook: @amagosphoto
The embodiment of Hip Hop Culture, John Robinson is a teacher of the knowledge, and a student of the culture, he is forever evolving. Honestly and sincerity flows throughout his art, void of ego, he is the real deal.
His latest album The Lvl Up is out now!
Can you give us an insight into what inspires you to create? Nowadays my inspiration comes from many places and spaces so it varies. Some examples are taking walks and/or drives listening to music outside of the Hip Hop Genre. I also read and meditate for inspiration, I love to read and watch documentaries about amazing creatives across the board. It inspires me to hear about different processes of many brilliant creatives that I admire and respect.
Your group Scienz of Life are well respected, can you tell us the group's philosophy? Scienz of Life Forever! I must say Rest in Power to our beloved partner and brother Rasun aka Inspector Willabee for Scienz of Life. He is the heart and soul of Scienz. The groups philosphy is rooted in knowledge of self, spirituality and being a student of life. Many people that are living life every day usually never stop and think about the layers that make up the life we are living. What's the Science of Living truly?
Scienz of Life are life learners, we are excited about empowering ourselves with information that can be used to help continue to be a productive part of the world.
Photo by @f12images
How important is music with a message? I don't shade anyone who doesn't put blatant messages in their music mainly because I feel everyone is not made up to bring substance and integrity via storytelling through music. However I feel for my personal creative journey I am a griot of modern day so I will always have a message in my music.
For many years I approached my song creations with the mindset that, I am conversing with people in the present but it is important for these conversations to still be relevant for generations that haven't even been born yet!
You are also a teacher, how similar is the role of an MC and a teacher?
The dynamic of being an EMCEE in my opinion aligns with many life skills that are crucial to growth and elevation in this physical plane.
I always approach my classes like a live show, if the students are not engaged then I had a weak show and I need to refine the plan to make sure I rock the crowd! Being an EMCEE allows me a upper hand in communicating with young people because I am closer to their culture than most of their other teachers.
As an Emcee it is important to read the room and know your audience and it is very much the same in a classroom. Know your audience so that when you are delivering your lesson plans so that they land well and learning is happening.
Can you tell us about your book ‘Youth Culture Power’ and it's intended legacy? Both Youth Culture Power Book & Album are design to help teachers create a positive learning environment by building relationships and lessons around students' own culture (Youth Culture). Instead of forcing students to give up the things they frequent, we feel teachers should discuss them and when possible, use them in lessons.
The purpose of our book is to present a fresh take on why educators should not discount the culture of youth within the classroom and how this alone is a very powerful step toward building solid and genuine connections with your students. YCP!
Website: johnrobinsonmusic.com
Bandcamp: The LvL Up
Brandon Deener creates art that is warm and compelling, taking us on a nostalgic journey to when Rhythm and Blues filled the air. Reminiscent of Jazz, free and expressive, take a look at the Rebirth of Cool....
“Side-Eyes Through Tortoiseshells” 2020
Oil on Canvas
What inspires you to create?
I humbly like to consider myself as someone who’s permanently inspired, as I’m always working. However, inspiration stems from many branches. Sometimes I’m inspired by photography, other times the music I’m listening to inspires my work or sparks an idea.
Inspiration can come from a conversation, books, movies, documentaries, nature, the list goes on and on. I’m always open to receiving new information in hope that it will inspire.
“I Promise Imma Make It Through This” 2021
Oil and Toilet Tissue on Canvas
How important is expression?
Expression for me is incredibly important. I’m from a musical family with a very rich musical background, but expression within the arts was something I really zoomed in on and examined further as I began to dive deeper into painting. Whereas music plays an integral role in my painting practice; ironically, “expression” within the realm of visual art became more important as I dissected my “why”.
I noticed the paintings I made when I first started were really good and they displayed great skill, but there was something missing. I painted a lot of still life’s, objects and things, not people - and people can relate to that humanity when figures are present on canvas. I also noticed that I wasn’t speaking about them long when people asked their meanings.
So I did some soul searching, started aligning with other Black artists, and really studied some of the great Black Artists that I admired. Then everything changed, it was like a light came on inside. I found why “expression” was so important! Especially being a Black artist in America! It became important to me to put my experiences in my work, Black experiences.
As a Black man in America, there’s so much substance to be added to the work. All I had to do was look around, read books, look at the news, go out in the world, etc,. I learned that WE ARE THE CONTEXT!!! So I began painting melanated people and representing us HEAVY in my work. Everything changed!!! So it’s an honor to express my deep respect and love for my people in my Art.
“Afro Tassels” 2020
Charcoal on Paper
“Do Revolutionaries Eat Fried Chicken” 2020
Acrylic, Oil, and Pencil on Wood Panel
If your Art was music, how would it sound?
My art would truly sound like Jazz! Specifically Miles Davis, but that 1950’s-1960’s Sketches of Spain Miles... Or Fela Kuti, anything with tribal drums, full of soul and energy!!! Great question!!!!!
“Lightyears Ahead” 2020
Oil on Canvas
What is your life philosophy?
Do good and good will come back to you. Always be a good person. Don’t get consumed in what others are doing and not doing. Mind yo bidness! Never hesitate to help others, GIVE BACK AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY and always stay on the path to righteousness!!!
All images by and courtesy of Brandon Deener
Instagram: @brandon_deener
Facebook: brandon deener