By: Travon BraceyYves Mathieu, one of ArtREV's first-ever interviewees, is being featured in Idol Magazine. We are so glad and proud of Yves' accomplishments thus far in the fashion industry and the work that advocates towards the LGBTQ community. Yves went to his Instagram to classify that in his interview with Idol Magazine, he talked about "black masculinity, supporting femininity, supporting your local hardcore music scene, and the youth". He stated, "to me, true black masculinity is owning our vulnerability in a world that tried to teach us our vulnerability is weakness". Founder and CEO of ArtREV: The Hub™, Travon Bracey, comment on his IG proudly saying, I literally just teared up looking at those picture. Watching you grow into the incredible person you are today from interviewing you three years makes me extremely proud to look at you and see that your dreams are coming true. I love that you embrace androgyny (you know I love androgyny, lol) and I love the beautiful connection you give and honor towards LGBTQ community. You are literally my inspiration, friend. Love you to the core.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ Then Yves responded saying, you really mean a lot to me and you’re definitely one of the people that I definitely thought about during this whole time on set, I know the troubles we/you face in or society of being a lgbtq person of colour and the negative connotations with that and I hope while I’m alive I can continue to bend and break all of those rules and misunderstood stereotypes, lové you with everything ♥️✨✊🏿 Don't you just love the respect, support, and love for one another. Way to go, Yves!
Check out the pictures below.
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11/27/2017 0 Comments Indie R&B/Funk Artist, Ankh Fyre, Curates A New Web-Series Entitled 'A Cup of Joe'By: Travon BraceyAnkh Fyre has created another platform for all of us to gain a laugh at. On his YouTube channel, Ankh Fyre TV, Ankh Fyre has self-created, written, and produced a new web series entitled 'A Cup of Joe', which is a documentary comedy-skit show analyzing the 'based-on-a-true-story' life of Ankh moving back to Philadelphia after being in Europe pursuing his music career, living with his Uncle Keif and his cousin, Dwight. Let's break down the characters on the show for you real quick. Uncle Keif Uncle Keif is the father of Dwight and the uncle of Ankh Fyre. Ankh has stated in the past that he doesn't receive much support from his family when it comes to his music, however, Uncle Keif, is considered to be one of his biggest supporters. While letting Ankh stay in his home to provide support, Uncle Keif can sometimes get a bit out of control with the rules that he applies towards his son and nephew. However, Uncle Keif has a good heart. Dwight Dwight is the son of Uncle Keif and the cousin of Ankh Fyre. Dwight is living with his father due to him being on house arrest. Although, Dwight and Ankh's relationship is a bit bumpy, Dwight seems to be the reason to why Uncle Keif blames him for all of the commotion that's going on, including giving his baby mother a key to the house. "Joseph", formerly known as Ankh Fyre Also referred by his birth name, Joseph, which Ankh refuses his Uncle and Cousin to use, Ankh tries to maintain a way to focus on himself while being in the house with his Uncle Keif and his cousin, Dwight. However, Ankh learns about the life of his cousin in which Uncle Keif educates him about. As you can see, all of the characters are played by Ankh Fyre himself. This is definitely a show that you guys want to check out. Speaking of which, congratulations to Ankh Fyre on the creative career that he's had thus far. From being nominated with two Honorarium Awards and starting his duo band, Planet M.D., Ankh is building his platform of creative talents to another level. To capture each episode of 'A Cup of Joe, visit his YouTube channel, Ankh Fyre TV. Watch the first episode of 'A Cup of Joe' below. 11/21/2017 0 Comments Actor Rahim Brazil Debuts His New Self Directed-Written-Produced, Web-series Entitled 'Twisted'By: Travon BraceyRemember our 2017 Honorarium Award-nominee, Rahim Brazil? Well, he's back at it again with a new project, but this time he is directing, creating, and producing the project. With his own production company, Big Dreams Productions, took matters into his own hands and went from being in front of the camera but creating a production of his own with his newest LGBT web series entitled 'Twisted' that debuted its first episode on November 15th. The show stars Martel Star, Siren, Toni Bryce, Chris June, and Caleb Perry. We followed the journey of the Twisted Cast this past summer as they were filming its first season and we must say, we love the plot story of the first episode. The show is a scripted-drama series following the lives of individuals who struggle with different life situations. As told by the production, their stories uniquely connects to one another within a health program started by Vanessa (the character played by Toni Bryce), in which she plays a transgender woman who's past escorting days caught up with her. Watch the trailer of the Twisted Series below. You can SUBSCRIBE to their YouTube channel to catch episodes that will be premiering. The first episode is already up, so check it out and leave a comment down below on what you think about the show.
Congratulations, Rahim Brazil. Follow the show on social media @twistedcast on Instagram and Facebook. 10/5/2016 0 Comments Senegalese Model, Khoudia Diop, Stated That She Was Once Bullied For Her Dark Skin[By: Travon Bracey]
Khoudia Diop, a Senegalese model, stated that she was bullied for her dark skin. The gorgeous model that calls herself "the melanin goddess" spoke about what it is like to be a dark skin girl in the world of fashion. Earlier this month, she posted a picture on Instagram stating about her bullying toward her dark skin. She wrote, "Bullies used to come with all kinds of names thinking I'll feel bad about my color. Well guess what, I loved them all and showed them how much I didn't care about what they think." Excitingly, Diop join The Colored Girl Campaign, a campaign that identifies the colorism of black women. To learn more about Khoudia Diop, click here to follow her Instagram. 9/18/2016 0 Comments Tracee Ellis Ross Becomes The First Black Actress To Be Nominated For Outstanding Comedy In 30 Years[By: Travon Bracey]
We are super excited about the Emmys this year. Not only is Beyonce the black person to receive a nomination in visual, but Tracee Ellis Ross has been nominated for 'Outstanding Leading Actress in a Comedy Role' and is indeed the first black female to do so in the last 30 years. The previous nominations for a black actress was given to Phylicia Rashad in 1985 for her role in The Cosby Show. The 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards come on TONIGHT (September 18, 2017) @ 7pm est. 9/17/2016 0 Comments Ariell Johnson Becomes The First Black Female To Open A Comic Book Store On The East Coast[By: Travon Bracey] It's no surprise that black woman are taking over the business world with their innovative ideas and well-known appearance. But, what's so appealing about this story is that this new black entrepreneur wanted to change for the world of comics. Ariell Johnson is the first black female to open a comic book store on the east coast. I know right? Super awesome for her! The idea of opening up her own comic book came from a large amount of supporters via Facebook. Aftermath of her favorite coffee shop closure, which she loved to drink coffee and read her comic books at, her idea of opening her very own comic book store started to merge into a viral sensation. What does this mean for the artistic community you might say? The comic book store gives an idealism of opening opportunities for independent comic creators, black women, and the LGBT. "To not see yourself ever represented as the hero or the protagonist does start wear on your self-esteem and your self-worth because it’s like you’re not valued enough to learn more about or write a story about…Diversity is important because we live in a diverse world and the media that we consume should reflect the reality of the world. It’s healthy to see other people represented because it helps you relate to people" - Ariell Johnson The shop is called Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, 2578 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125.
Erik Madigan Heck [Award-Winning American Fashion Photographer] [By: Travon Bracey]
Erik Madigan Heck's photography showcases so much color and high-scale elements that puts you into a different world when you are viewing his work. It speaks quality, art, fashion, and beauty that is just breathtaking to look at that is like none other. Born in 1983, Erik is the youngest photographer to have photograph the Neiman Marcus' 'Art of Fashion' campaign, taken in 2012. He has shot for the New York Times, Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, W Magazine, British Vogue, and more, just to name a few. 11/3/2015 0 Comments Disney Made An Animation About An African-American Hero That Most People Don't Recognize[By: Travon Bracey] Disney Studios has always been supportive of African Americans' history, but they have done it again by them creating an African American short film about a former slave named John Henry. The movie, released in 2002 as a direct-to-video animated anthropology film, hosted by James Earl Jones on the Disney's American Legends DVD, is a movie about a slave who worked on the railroad tracks who they say was capable of the fact that he "could move mountains". Here is the full summary: "John Henry, a freed slave, happens across a railroad building project. An entire crew of freed slaves has been promised land if they can finish by deadline, but they’re exhausted and unable to continue. John, though, has the strength of ten men, and revitalizes all of them. But despair sets in again when the railroad sends a steam hammer to replace the crew and burns the contract. John proposes a challenge: man against machine. After a heroic effort, including a tunnel through solid rock by swinging two hammers at once, John wins, but he also collapses in his wife Polly’s arms. She’s recounting this whole story to their young son, to explain why his father was so great." The film's new short is based on John Henry and is starring Alfre Woodard and Tim Hodge. It was released on August 18, 2015 on Blu-ray in Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Film Collection. How cool is that? Go buy the DVD and check it out, already! Here's a click of the 2002 release of John Henry short film: [By: Travon Bracey]
Well, it looks like the AfroCentric queen herself will be hosting this year's Soul Train Awards. The soul singer-songwriter has won numerous of awards in her career, but now it is time for Erykah to be the host of the show. In other news, Soul Train Awards will be honoring Babyface with the legend award and also will be honoring neo-soul singer Jill Scott with the inaugural Lady of Soul award. The Soul Train Awards will showcase on BET & Centric Networks November 29th, 2015 @ 8PM. To see a list of nominees, go to http://www.bet.com/shows/soul-train-awards/nominees.html. Tattoo Model Yves Mathieu Inspiration is his middle name. Yves Mathieu, a tatto and fashion independent supermodel sits down with us to talk about the person that he his today. The interview gets a little emotionally deep, however, we we're proud to learn his story about his 'attempt suicide' days and how his tattoos create a story on everything that his experience throughout his life. [PART TWO COMING SOON] Travon: The number one thing I wanted to ask you are about your tattoos and piercings. I must say they look really cool on you. How long did you have the tattoos and what made you get them? Yves: I had my tattoos for about 5 years. I got my first piercings when I was 13 - they were snakebites - the 2 rings I have on my lip. I did it with a safety pin in my bathroom [laughs]. Travon: Ouch. [laughs] Yves: Not recommended. Travon: Kids don't try this at home like Yves did. [laughs] Yves: I knew from a young age that I wanted a lot of tattoos. I used to be really into bands like Good Charlotte, and Blink 182 and I saw they had full sleeves. I knew [from that moment on] I wanted to look like [them] and I wanted [whatever] I decided to get to mean something to me. What made me essentially want to get tattooed was comfortability within myself. I had a rough childhood and I wasn't comfortable in my skin so, wearing my story on my skin made it more comfortable to me. No secrets. Nothing to hide. Yves 2.0. Travon: What’s your most meaningful tattoo you have? Yves: Ah! My most meaningful? That's a beautiful question. It's constantly changing, depending on what season I am in my life. On my forehead, it says "the art of losing myself" [tattooed as "theartoflosingmyself"]. It's the first tattoo my eyes go to when I wake up and look in the mirror. It means letting go of me, sacrificing me, for Christ and for others. Travon: Wow! That is so inspiringly beautiful. I am lost with words. Yves: And it's in no way a loss, or damaging to me, it's an art, it's the "ART" of losing myself. That line is the opening pre-chorus to a song called "From The Inside Out" by a band named Hillsong. The moment I heard it, I knew it had to be a part of me forever - a reminder of how to live. As of right now, it's one of my most meaningful. Travon: Does it hurt when you got the tattoos in the face? I’m curious [laughs]. Yves: Ha! [laughs] Yeah! My face tattoos hurt with certain tattoos like the 2 [tattoos] underneath my eyes. The position hurt more than the actual tattoo. In all, tattoos hurt [laughs]. Travon: Even though, you are characterized as a tattoo model, I look at you as not only a tattoo model, but a commercial and fashion model, as well. Your look is beyond exceptional and you have skills of a high-profile model. What made you want to pursue a career in modeling and how has your modeling career affect the audience around you? Yves: I honestly didn't think at this point I would be getting as much attention or acclaim as I do. It's really humbling and that in itself motivates me even more. My main drive is to pursue modeling because, I want to take a mission trip to pop culture. It sounds really strange and crazy but, the same way people take mission trips to 3rd world countries and feed, clothe, help, and love on others, there are missions right here around us. There's so many people who aren't comfortable with their outward appearance and their inward appearance (yes there's inward appearance) and I want to use my look and my story to change that. Travon: Alongside modeling, what other creative talents do you have? Yves: Ha! [laughs] I can dance really well. I auditioned for "So You Think You Can Dance" in January of this year, and made it to the top 40 for the 2nd day of Atlanta Auditions. I didn't get any farther than that. [I'm] not really sure if I wanted to anyways at that point but, it was a beautiful experience that I know I'll never experience again and I'm okay with that. I also write a lot [such as] songs, plays, movies, and musicals. I was accepted into Savannah College of Art & Design in 2012 in the Dramatic Writing program and I also play piano/keyboard. Oh! And if hugging is a talent, put me down for that too! I love to hug people, especially when they have a confused look on their face as to why I'm trying to hug them. [laughs] Travon: What is the most scariest moment that you had in your lifetime? Yves: Hmm! The scariest moment of my life occurred twice. [The] 1st [time is] when I was 15 years [when] I tried to commit suicide - [it's] something that a lot of people actually don't know about me. I was afraid to come out to anyone so, I decided to take the "easy" road out. I took about 20 oxy cotton pills, and 20 aspirins. I remember going into the bathroom and my eyes [would be] as red as an apple, and my heart was pulsating through my Adidas hoodie, and I [had] passed out about 20 minutes later waken up in Nassau County Hospital in Long Island, New York. I was then put on a suicide watch, and also given a psychologist and I stayed in a psychiatric evaluation class for like 2 weeks. It was pretty miserable. Due to that situation, I got an eyeball and a mouth tattooed on the tops of my hands meaning "watch what you eat" in reference to me putting loads of pills into my body not really knowing the extensity of what I was doing to myself. So, watch what you do; watch what you eat. [The] 2nd [time it] happened only was last year of October 11th [when] I had a heart attack. I have this heart condition called Bilateral Atrial Enlargement. I was 19 at the time. I'm not sure I've ever been face with situation so great and devastating at the same time. The difference between the 2 events is when I was 15, I was alone and had no one, but with this [the 2nd occurring event] I had God and what seemed to feel like everyone was praying and loving on me all at once. It was scary but, beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Travon: What do you cherish the most about life? Yves: What I cherish the most about life is life itself. This world is very, very cold, broken, and lost. But [with] life, life is a gift, and when you almost lose it [life] becomes gold to you. I feel like even if you'd never experienced anything traumatic or life threatening that an appreciation for life should still be a part of your daily thought. If there's air in your lungs, or if even right now, if you're reading this interview that means you have eyes [that are capable to] seeing LIFE, or if your blind and someone is reading this to you, that means you can hear. You can hear LIFE. What I cherish the most about life is life itself. Travon: The reason why you’re included in our Art Section because we feel that modeling is a form of art. Don’t you agree? Whether you are being dressed by a stylist and being captured by a photographer’s artistic visualization, you are still known as an artist in modeling. What is your intake on that? Yves: I agree with you 100%. To me, it is art in it's every form. The art of fashion. The art of styling. The art of posing. The art of direction. All these acts happening at once creates a volcanic, artistic, vocal noise. Especially as a model, you won't find a photo that I'm speaking in unless it's a hologram, but I can speak to you with my eyes, or my hands, or with my garment, or with the art on my skin - the same way a song, or a painting speaks to you. Modeling is an art form. Travon: What is the one thing that you want people to remember you as when you leave this earth? Would you want to leave a legendary for others to follow you by? Yves: What I want others to remember is that "Yves loved Jesus. Yves loved people. Yves drank a lot of apple juice". Travon: What college did you go to and how was your experience? Yves: I attended Savannah College of Art & Design [SCAD]. I feel that college is not for everybody, and I'm one of those people that it's not for. Having a degree is awesome and so admirable in every way but, you don't need a degree to succeed. You need faith and drive. Travon: Give me one person that you are extremely inspired by and tell me why they are a perfect fit of inspiration for you. Yves: Again, I'm going to sound crazy but, my main inspiration in the past 3 years has been and always will be Jesus Christ. I feel that sometimes people get bothered with how much I say I love Jesus, or how much I give him credit for everything I'm given but, I don't really care [laughs]. When you're in love with someone or something, you talk about it even when you're not trying to. [I'm] gonna go ahead and quote Meangirls [the movie] but, it's like 'Word Vomit'. He lived the perfect life. More than all of that, he died for his friends, family, and even those who spit on him. I had a woman once spit on me and tell me that I'm going to burn in hell because, I'm tattooed. I had a cop once ask my name, and when I told him, he walked to another car and said, "we have a special kind of nigger here", and call me crazy but, if it came down to it, I would, I repeat, I would die for those people. Why? Because, Christ died for me. He's my inspiration and the love of my life. Travon: Are you working on any newer projects and if so, please do share. Yves: I won't go into too much detail because, I love surprising people [smiles]. But, I'm currently stepping into the pool of fashion film, much like the works of Karl Lagerfeld, simple, but engaging. I'm constantly watching fashion shows on YouTube and [reading] different blogs I can find, and the more I watched [and read] them, the more life they bring to the clothes, the scuffs on the shoes, the make up, and the vision. I'm excited to share my mind and heart with you all. For more information on Yves Mathieu, check out his IG page @the_yvesdropper
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