Gucci's collage portrait undertaking celebrates black historical past pioneers
The fashion brand has partnered with A Vibe Called Tech to create a series of self-portraits that highlight four curators who advocate black narrative
The Pioneers of the Past collaboration, unveiled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is part of the brand's partnership with North Face as well as a wider celebration of the representation of blacks in the arts.
Alayo Akinkugbe, founder of the Instagram account @ablackhistoryofart, the visual researcher Theophilus Imani, the founder of the Black Archive, Renata Cherlise, curator and art historian Osei brought together a Vibe Called Tech launched by Charlene Prempeh to explore the intersection of black creativity To explore culture and innovation Bonsu for the portrait series. Each of them created their own images, which were then reinterpreted by the collage artist Jazz Grant.
"Black characters from history are often removed from storytelling – we're under-represented in education, media, and general knowledge of the past," said Lewis Gilbert, creative director at A Vibe Called Tech. "Each contributor has helped educate and inspire countless people with their work, while shedding light on those who are often overlooked or intentionally hidden from the mainstream media."
Picture above: Alayo Akinkugbe, founder of @ablackhistoryofart; above: Renata Cherlise, founder of Black Archives
Visual researcher Theophilus Imani
Curator and art historian Osei Bonsu
As part of the project, Gucci also worked with the Stance Podcast to record conversations with each of them and discuss the changing nature of black representation in art and society.
vibecalledtech.com; ancepodcast.com