040: Flowers for Martine & Met Gala Wishes

WELCOME TO MAY 🌱

For those just joining, welcome to another installment of our dedicated dispatch to cultural production from the African diaspora.

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DISPATCH 040 —

This week, we’re co-signing flowers for the one and only Martine Rose, witnessing the ascendence of basket bags stateside, and concocting wishful thinking for an epic Met Gala look. Plus: artisanal jewelry strikes again, fashionable nuptials, and an eight-meter wonder courtesy of Lacoste. But first, art seasonal selects…

ART SEASONAL SELECTS

May marks the start of the official spring art fair and auction season. From TEFAF and Sotheby’s previews to 1-54 and Frieze New York, the first three days of the month have already been quite chock-full. Here are two highlights, but there is no shortage of incredible works hitting New York City in the weeks to come.

1-54 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART FAIR open through May 4

Ugandan artist Christine Nyatho’s mixed-media works center themes of astronomy and astrology while utilizing barkcloth and locally sourced organic materials. First-time exhibitor Amasaka Gallery was founded by fellow artist Collin Sekajugo in 2020 to renegotiate space for local artists keen to prosper on the global art scene.

FRIEZE NEW YORK open through May 5

Held at The Shed, Frieze New York brings together over 60 exhibitors from 25 countries, but one immediately caught our eye — St. Thomas, USVI-born abstract painter Hasani Sahlehe has a solo booth with Athens-based gallerist Tif Sigfrids. His work also made a welcome appearance on out-of-home wheat pastings around the city courtesy of Frieze sponsor Stone Island.

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