OW’s cover artist
Obasogie Aimiuwu
“My goal, as an artist, is not only to be creative, but to be innovative. I take an aggressive approach to my art, integrating my creativity with experimentation and originality. My art crosses all boundaries and breaks barriers in terms of ‘categorizing’ my art form. I can tackle any medium…If I can think it, I can do it. I like to incorporate the element of design and an array of vivid colors, movements, and light effects into my work to evoke emotions in those viewing my art.”
This ingenious style of creating artwork has gotten Obasogie Aimiuwu noticed. He was nominated and went on to become a finalist at the ARTV AWARDS ceremony held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. The crowds were drawn to his magnificent display of watercolor paintings, the category in which he was nominated. The judges, including a museum curator, were enthusiastic and intrigued by Obasogie’s works of art. He has received numerous art show awards. In addition, on a recent visit to Atlanta, GA, his works caught the attention of the CEO of a museum that specializes in African art and heritage. Collaboration is planned for the near future.
“Art is not my only passion; I love helping and inspiring others. My ambition is to continue to grow as an artist, to be remembered for my compassion towards others, and to make history in art.”
Compton, CA—The owner of a nonprofit arts organization called RAY’S Recycler, is seeking to open an arts program in the Hub City, and is taking a path less traveled to reach his goal.
He has posted a proposal on a website created by Pepsi, and is asking people to spread the word and vote to give the city an art gallery.
Presently they do not have one, nor do they have a culture center or even any arts and crafts supply stores, explained Ray Fox, founder of Hub Gallery in Long Beach.
Arts and Minds, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to exposing kids and young adults in underserved communities to science, technology, art, music, entrepreneurial, community development and “green” learning and action opportunities.
Los Angeles, CA -- Music has always fascinated RJ Smith, so when he moved to Los Angeles from New York in 1990, it was only natural for him to go looking for info on where the music was.
“I was vaguely aware of Central Avenue in its musical context. I went to the library and went to the book store to look for something (else) in that direction. At that time, there was nothing out there,” recalled Smith a former senior editor at Los Angeles Magazine as well as music critic for The Village Voice, GQ, Details, Spin and Vibe.
Los Angeles, CA -- Artis Lane is not one to follow the beaten path, and nowhere is that inclination more obvious than in her art.
In the 1990s when conceptual art pushed aside works with a spiritual message, Lane continued to create pieces that explored man’s “emergence out of the ignorance of material concepts and into spiritual awareness.”
Lane, who studied art in her native Canada as well as at UCLA, has strived to answer deeper questions through her art for most of her career.
The 16th Annual Pan African Film Festival is now at an end for 2008 and gearing up to prepare for 2009’s festival. In a word the PAFF was excellent. It covered the gamut from film to live performances, art and music.
There is hope for the future of Black/African American cinema. Men and women of all ages are adding their voices and vision to an art form that breaks down cultural barriers, educates and entertains. The variety of films attests to the ingenuity, creativity and passion of these filmmakers.
