The hurricane had brought us a day so magnificent it felt apocalyptic. As the huge, ominous storms poured down on the cholla cactus and the mountains, we saw funnels building and dropping, downbursts of fierce rain, lightning bolts striking. Our cameras never stopped clicking.
As I began to reconnect with my ancestors, I felt such reverence. Soon, I began growing foods from West Africa like okra, benne sesame seeds, and corn. Growing these foods help me connect with those who went before.
My career has never been about money, popularity, or recognition, but about passion. I want to show others that thinking outside the box is something that society should not only allow, but encourage.
I finance my music through any extra made through selling handicrafts, and hard work in the fields when I have to. I have taken up a machete and a hoe, and I have also been a coffee picker. I do whatever it takes to pursue my dream.
Now the sense guiding my creations is touch. When I hold the clay and feel its texture, humidity, and strength, it inspires me. I materialize everything in my mind and bring those memories to life through my work. It’s a beautiful experience.
Annual 8M Visual Arts Acquisition Awards seek to increase gender diversity of national cultural heritage and public art collections
Energy, tenderness, and joy united in the performances, reflecting the atmosphere and aesthetic of our theater. Every time the students danced, I saw a little glint light up their eyes. The energy of that glint grew into a bright flame of passion that spread among the hall that day.
At first, my insecurity awakened many questions and doubts. But by our second short, I felt in control of my vision. Whether it’s judged as good or bad, it’s mine. I take responsibility for this creation we put out into the world.
I teach possibilities. Dreaming is possible, and I let children dream in my class. Hundreds of children have passed through this dance program. They’ve learned much more than just steps; they’re dancing their way out of hopelessness.
As I researched tango, I discovered a much more intense emotional connection than I had known until then. I realized that tango is much more than knowledge of a well-executed technique. I think it has to do with the connection of souls through time, and that it can happen in any corner of the world with people from different cultures.
My first video for Tiktok in 2019 was just a silly sketch, filmed by my sister. But it went viral, gaining 900,000 views in three days. I realized then I could use my talent on social media as a force for change.
I started putting music to the words that Pablo typed out. The result was beautiful songs. Comfort and relief flooded my heart, now that I knew we had a way of understanding each other. Every moment we were together, the music never ceased.