Today, modern technology has allowed millions access to all the multimedia the world has to offer at the touch of our fingertips. However, it may at times seem impossible to escape the same familiar faces within the mainstream media that we are exposed to everyday. From movies to literature, here are our latest recommendations for those who are due for some spring cleaning within the arts.
“Sundown” directed by Michael Franco
This indie film is the epitome of eerie slow burn. The film follows a wealthy family vacationing in Acapulco, Mexico, until a family emergency cuts their luxurious vacation short. Actor Tim Roth is exceptional at depicting the character Neil Bennet, a cryptic brother whose actions consistently lead to more questions. The thriller plays on melancholic themes and ambiguity that leaves the viewer yearning for explanations that may never come.
Bakar
Since the start of his career, singer and songwriter Bakar has taken the indie rock scene by storm. Within the last four years he has released various indie singles that have revealed his gritty upbringing in London as a first-generation immigrant. His thought-provoking music has evolved quickly and he has collaborated with artists such as Dominic Fike, BENEE and many more. His debut album, ‘Nobody’s Home’, is set to release Feb. 25, and it will be sure to cause another wave of praise for the London artist.
Tega Akinola
It is no surprise that designers have been shifting their designs towards a broader, more sustainable way of producing garments. The zero-waste fashion movement has caused artists like Tega Akinola to distinguish themselves as designers whose motives are to “upcycle” instead of those mass-producing fast fashion textiles. Her work forces her to design innovatively while honoring every recycled item she comes across. Using objects such as USB cables and vintage jackets, Akinola has set a high standard for designers who promote this environmentally friendly method of producing fashion.
Damsel Elysium
At the age of 21, this London-based experimental visual and sound artist is transforming the way we consume the world around us. Damsel Elysium has been known to use the environment around them to inspire their artwork. By channeling the “whispers” of trees to convert into sounds produced by their double bass and violin their innovative range is nothing short of immersive.
“Ring Shout” by P.Djeli Clark
Set in 1915, this fantasy horror novel defies the meaning society has for the Klu Klux Klan. While using references that can be traced back to African folklore, Clark creates a new narrative for the terrorist and hate group that takes demonic turn. The novel follows a trio of fierce black women that fight together in efforts to prevent a potential apocalyptic catastrophe. It is up to the “Ring Shout” group to combat the forces of evil and hatred in order to ensure the safety of America and you cannot anticipate what happens next.
