Love Thy Neighbor: Sound Off
In this presentation, Kadar Smalls captures creative muses who embody innovation and Blackness throughout the Bedstuy neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. It has been almost a year since “staying home” became our new norm.
As the project focuses on sustainability, gender expression, and social impact we captured what these key concepts look like. The idea of staying home has allowed us to not only cut back on capitalism, it has amplified our urges to create. These visuals highlight the muses’ socio-cultural identities as they use fashion to express their aspirations and understanding of one’s personal impact on their surrounding communities and homes.
Isaac “Soup” Campbell
“I am a multi-disciplined, self-taught creative. I am known mostly as a DJ + photographer, however, I produce music and visual art as well. Drawing and painting are my first loves.
When my basketball career came to a close after college I needed something else to chase everyday. Photography filled that space in my life and served as a gateway to stepping behind the decks as a DJ.
My idea of home is peace. In my late high-school to early college years I was a nomad — a couch-surfer. I was always in someone else's space and it was difficult to decompress bouncing between spaces that are not your own. Today, I am blessed to have peace within my space. It is a space where I can decompress and create, which is especially important during this pandemic as I have transitioned from the fast-pace New York hustle to a space where I finally have time to tend to myself, grow, and evolve as a creative. Home has redefined what it means to have peace, shed light on what’s important, and shifted my focus. Now, I have a new fire within me for photography, which had laid dormant in the past.
One thing I started doing is implementing a morning routine. I get up, pray, put a record on, burn some sage and dont touch my phone until the record ends.”
Ryan Gale
“I am currently redefining what home looks like to me. I have spent more time at home during the pandemic than I ever have since moving to NYC almost seven years ago.
At By Colby Vintage, a preloved extension of the By Colby brand, I encourage individuals to shop pre-owned fashions which help sustain and acquire new sources of energy. I source some of the highest quality vintage items made from materials that have withstood the test of time.
I aspire to not become complacent; I am always looking for new ways to be inspired, collaborate, and grow in my career. The creative world is filled with many artists who have incredible talents. I want to continue to work with the best of them.
Working from home has its pros and cons, and because I’m in the process of decorating, it can feel a little empty and unaspiring at times. Whenever those feelings begin to form, I immediately turn on some good tunes to dance and vibe out. Music is highly influential over my creative agency. It evokes so much emotion and gets me up and moving.”
Donovon Alexander
“Home is in Chicago. When I think of being home I think of all my favorite foods, being with my nieces, and spending time with my parents. It’s a sense of gratitude and always reminds me of why I’m in New York and why I work so hard. Home gives me the feeling of being and staying grounded. It reminds me of what’s real, what’s important, what motivates me, and what inspires me to keep going.
The influence my home has on me can be seen through my style - not just clothing-wise, but also my persona and how I carry myself. Home influences my creative agency by reminding me of how I started and where I come from. I want to show that through the art of being me.
My individuality is my art, because it’s my truth. It’s my vulnerability made visual.
I can only hope that my social impact will influence others to stay true to themselves - especially younger black and brown boys who struggle with identity, self acceptance, and mental health issues. I pray that my impact will be made on the younger generation, who I want to look up to me.”
Those obsessed with a never ending agenda to profit from black experience, black aesthetics, and black voices, may covet our resilient rhythm and style, but could never understand our blues as a result of systematic oppression, racism, underfunding, and lack of resources. There is a desire for creatives to share concepts and collaborate to amplify messages. During isolation due to Covid, we have taken the time to realign ourselves. One day soon we will eat good around the table as we collaborate to learn of new alternative perceptions. We are more than just Black people, people of color, and people of the African Diaspora.
Credits:
CD: Melquan Ganzy| @masterganzy
Photographer: Kadar R. Small @kadarsmall
Fashion Designers ||
LaQuan Smith | @laquan_smith
Nik Kacy | @nikkacyfootwear
Daily Paper | @dailypaper
Telfar | @telfar
