RADAR: A Mood Board of the Future
Whenever we usher in a new year we meditate on the future and what that will resemble. As a creative and a visual person I like to pull my thoughts together in a mood board filled with inspiration for what’s ahead. In this effort, for 2022 I focused on the people who are influencing progressing the culture and who hold stake in what I consider to be the future of the creative community that could change the world. In this RADAR roundup I scoured my Instagram feed and put together a short list of rising stars whose talents are influential and aspirational. As we curate the culture of our own lives it’s always good to look to others for a bit of motivation and reference so here is a glimpse of who has landed on my 2022 mood board. What they bring to the table is quite visibly worthy of keeping on your radar as they lead us with artistry and innovation for the future of everything.
There is a mood that is captured in Stefen Pompée’s photography that almost makes you feel that there is some soul exposing psychic ability at play. After several years of following his work, I have found myself a true fan of his portraiture and style of photography. He consistently impresses me with his unique approach to new content. From his use of color and the way he connects with body language there is a world of composition being explored in captivating layers. I had the opportunity to chat with Pompée and in the spirit of this exploration of the future I asked his thoughts on what the subsequent world would look like if he ruled all things. In his words it would resemble, Global acknowledgement of art as a form of therapy, less western medicine, more marijuana, less beauty standards, more trees, less advertisements, free healthcare, and no war.’ When looking at his contribution to the culture he mentions, ‘My contribution to the culture has been my perspective on beauty. In my career as an artist, more specifically as a portrait photographer, I've made it a point to be inclusive and diverse with my subject choice. Whether I'm photographing a model on a leading fashion agency, an unsigned model looking for representation, or an individual I dmed to collaborate, I strive to create portraits that are raw and show true character. That is how I started my own mother agency three years ago. I decided to sign a few people in my circle, whom I mostly met via Instagram dms, and see how far we could go with an inclusive mother agency. Since then I've been able to employ my models on numerous jobs and sign them with bigger, leading agencies. Additionally, I also co-own a chic, affordable photo studio based in the South Bronx that provides a safe, welcoming place for my community to create.’ If leading by example was a person, Pompée would be the portrait.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Karina Sharif years ago on a number of stylist gigs. This is when I discovered the extraordinary multi-faceted levels of her talent. There isn’t a true appropriate label to give her that accurately encompasses who she is as she is purely creative in so many aspects so I land on calling her an artist as is defined on her Instagram profile where she proclaims, ‘I am a reflection of you, & you are a reflection of me. I don’t want to make room for womxn like me, I want to make clearings, massive & unapologetic.’ Sharif produces paper art that is so striking and unparalleled that it’s truly enjoyable to keep up with all of her projects. She’s not new to press coverage as she’s been documented and admired by such publications as i-d magazine, Vogue Italia, and the cut to name just a few. I also admire her ability to not only share personal affirmations on her IG page but the ultimate move to take hiatus from social media is utterly aspirational. Her upliftment of the beauty of black women is stellar and taps into a state of healing that is undeniably needed across the planet. Karina’s artistry is an activism of progress through unnecessary strongholds and worthy of mention for pushing us into a desirable future.
I first discovered Alon Cameron as a contestant on HBOMax’s show, Stylish with Jenna Lyons. This stylist competition was an introduction that propelled me into a deep dive scouring her world where she truly proves there is an art to style. What I love about Alon is her fearlessness in approach to fashion, often as her own muse, embracing experimentation beyond the norm. Keeping up with her looks is an effort as she cooks up new aesthetics on the regular. (If you watch the show you will see this proven from one episode to the next.) Along with her style contributions she is also a digital creator where she pushes the boundaries of perception even further. In describing her thoughts on style Cameron explains, ‘Personally, I think what makes a good stylist isn’t an aggressive interjection of personal taste, but rather an experience of observation and adaptation.’ This is why I’m totally here for the full experience.
Storytelling through clothing is an attribute that I credit to the blossoming brand an Only Child. I’m glued to their Insta account for the next beautiful imagery to post from their collection. Their profile simply states, ‘It takes a village’. In viewing their page it feels like scenes from a cinematic experience. This is the brainchild of designer Maxwell Osborne who is ½ of the label Public School and stems from the concept of an only child of which I and so many can relate. There is a different kind of limitation that is turned into more than what it is through a hyper developed imagination typical of a child with no siblings. In essence an only child creates worlds despite the singular options. I see this resonate in the clothing they produce. The label consists of mostly deadstock pieces which promotes a much needed sustainable approach to fashion. The curated posts on their IG page are magnificently styled and full of intention that feels refreshingly honest and real. I love that some locations read ‘Aunties House’. The nostalgia of it all evokes a true covetable cool but sans effort which is always a winner.
Article by Ayoka Lucas, Contributing Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
