Spoon-Fed Culture

The National Museum of African Art hosted a conversation with artists Mary Sibande, Ayana V. Jackson, Panashe Chigumadzi and Lanisa Kitchiner to discuss how they use their art to provoke thought in a zeitgeist of racial tension.  The panel discussed the themes of their art and the ways in which they present the black female figure.  Panashe Chigumadzi, Mary Sibande, Ayana V. Jackson                                                              M ary Sibande is a visual artist from South Africa . She is a recipient of the 2017 African Art Award. Ayana V. Jackson is a photographer based between France, South Africa and the United States. Ghada Amer was born in Cairo, Egypt, she is also a recipient of the 2017 African Art Award. Panashe Chigumadzi is a South African and Zim...

Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan interviews designer Christian Siriano about his life and career at the intersection of fashion, business and culture. Attendees were also invited to join the designer for a sip and shop event after the talk hosted by Rizik's 

    Ai Weiwei has been proclaimed as one of China's most controversial artist. He uses multiple mediums in his artwork to promote human rights, freedom and expression for all.      Ai Weiwei discussed state corruption and cover ups on his blog which in turn led to frustration by his government. In 2011 he was incarcerated by the Chinese government and interrogated endlessly for his outspoken nature.  He still finds it to be a mystery as to why he was released due to the detainment of his lawyers, friends and associates. As of now, Weiwei is banned from the Chinese internet with not even his name being allowed to appear on it. Because of this, Ai Weiwei switched over to twitter and instagram which he credits with  getting him more familiar with current issues and politics. He speaks highly of the platforms saying they "empower individuals to knowledge and independent communication with others." The Plain Version of the Animal That ...