END OF THE ROAD

August 31, 2019 No Comments

It seems super appopriate to write this in an undisclosed loft in philadelphia. It’s time to tie up some loose ends and say goodbye to Junkprints. It was fun, painful, magical, sweaty and scary but it’s time to let that ish go and move all the way on. Huge thanks for those have been rocking with me if you’d like to see more of my creative endevours, process or other things I’ve been doing please follow @Mz.icar.

I will no longer be posting from this account or any junkprints social media. the site will stay up as an archive for now

Pour out something for junkprints and pop a bottle for mz.icar…preferably at the same time…waste not want not or something like that.

One day I was just walking around minding my own Junkprints business and I realized i had outgrown my dungaroos. I started tripping over yarn, thread, life ish, and curried love. I fell into a deep deep abyss only to find myself on the other side tangled up in nag champa, murals, spraypaint, yarn, glitter, blackness things, roller skates, collages, vitamix soup, backbends and all kinds of things bright and colorful. When I emerged, I found myself with incredible biceps in the stomach of a collective called Mz. Icar…its racizm…backwards.

Art, Design, Events, Thing I Love, Things I Make, Uncategorized

#ElectricRainbowDaydreams opening June 10th B.K.,N.Y.

May 17, 2017 No Comments

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#ElectricRainbowDaydreams

CHANEL KENNEBREW

CURATED BY DARICIA MIA DEMARR

June 10 – August 13, 2017

Opening Reception

June 10, 2017

6pm – 8pm

Welancora Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new works by Chanel Kennebrew. This most recent body of work demonstrates Kennebrew’s expert ability to stylize and compose an image in order to tell a story and bring awareness to an issue. The exhibition will be on view from June 10 to August 13, 2017 at 33 Herkimer Street.

This series by Chanel Kennebrew is a cunning exploration of shattering, revealing, exposing, questioning and colliding for the sake of creation. The work seeks to investigate the realities and possibilities of technology, of modern communication and ideas of representation. #ElectricRainbowDaydreams is a collection of vibrant imagery composed and stylized by an artist in a constant state of making. Kennebrew is a multi-disciplinary, commercial, graphic design and fine artist. Each craft has a role in her work. The essence of this series is that of a socio-cultural, political meditation channeling the pensive and the carefree. It’s a creative exegesis of color, playful objects and the spirit of joy.

The technological surge of the 21st century has awarded us the means to share and communicate in ways only science fiction could have previously imagined. Kennebrew engages this phenomenon by superimposing electronic objects such as stereos, televisions and recorders with human body parts and figures. The bodies are carefree; in motion, leaping, dancing and jumping. With sharp wit, Kennebrew incorporates glops and splashes of paint in the steps of these figures to indicate the looming hazard our electronic tools impart on communication. She questions the impact of the sleek and well-advanced smartphone that bundles all past electronics into one. This new mode of communication and its applications, especially regarding social media has forever transformed human engagement. These devices and ‘apps’ have replaced or obstructed our view of each other and have also deteriorated and enmired actual connecting and understanding.

The rainbow of color in Kennebrew’s work, acts as both a signature and visual guide. It serves as a strategic marker for viewers to focus attention on specific elements of her compositions. The color, be it dripping down the picture plane or sprayed in the background, triggers an emotional response. With her sculpture, she paints and assembles fun vintage objects and toys of the same or similar color, creating a cohesive composition. The objects are transformed by color but maintain their integrity as cool, play things from a nostalgic past.

Fantasy and imagining animate this series. Layers of color and texture distort time and space. Bodies are in motion, inhabiting impossible spheres. Singular mouths grip rotary telephones, upside-down, bodiless heads blossom into a spectrum of vivid balloons. Beautiful brown girls tower over incredible landscapes. Past, present and future merge in a distorted but tangible daydream. Each piece, whether whispering or booming, a unique but unified message to ‘stay woke’, to pay attention to each other beyond our digital selves. The work warns us to connect with integrity and intention, to be wary of the potential haphazard messiness of our new technology.

#ElectricRainbowDaydream is a lesson and a celebration. The series invokes the passion of the artist but also aims to connect her questions and experiences to that of the viewer. It harbors joy and wonderment in concert with a subtle warning. It’s loud with color; it’s a remix, a throwback, but also a guide. It expresses fortitude and a genuine interest in the politics of freedom. This series reminds us to recall and retain the spirit of our authentic voice. – Daricia Mia DeMarr

Art, Design, Thing I Love, Things I Make, Uncategorized

‘PUKE’ Featured as PUBLIC ART in Downtown Brooklyn

September 11, 2016 No Comments

Thanks to The fam over at Fokus. My Piece “Puke” is featured on the cover of Insight Magazine

Here’s a bit about the publication:INSIGHT magazine is based on the concept that we often look to art to define past civilizations. In turn, we provide insight into the artists who are shaping our culture through their work today. We provide insight into the worlds of actors, musicians, designers, fine artists, emerging artists and those who do not immediately come to mind when thinking about the arts/artists, such as culinary artists and industrial designers. INSIGHT magazine is published quarterly.

Also I’m super excited to announce that Puke is being featured on trash cans through out downtown Brooklyn

junk on trash! junk on trash! junk on trash!

You can catch one on Fulton Street in from of the Macy’s and the other on Court St. and Schermerhorn

Puke on Trash

Art, Design, Press, Thing I Love, Things I Make, Uncategorized

EXPLORATION IN NUDE OPENS IN MAY!

April 7, 2016 No Comments

print_flyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BROOKLYN35 & JUNKPRINTS PRESENTS

EXPLORATIONS IN NUDE

Curated by Jen Joyce Davis & Hana Elkhazin

Friday May 13th – Sunday May 15th: Pop-up festivities and artist talk for Explorations In Nude, will be held at 5 Central Ave, Brooklyn NY 11206. The concept behind these events is a performance driven display of the artist’s work using emotions, inspirations and community connections. Events include live performances, a video screening, community yoga class, and a fundraising evening with chef prepared vegan dinner – proceeds will be donated to Black Lives Matter.

Explorations in Nude is Chanel Kennebrew’s first solo exhibit. In this new work, she attempts to shake off assigned categories and invites us to explore the different definitions and associations of the term nude. In Kennebrew’s opinion, society hides behind -isms (racism, colorism, normalism, conformism, westernism etc) and uses them to neatly organize and categorize practices, ideologies, and movements. Explorations in Nude is the articulation of Kennebrew’s deep dive into that world of isms. Using mixed-media, illustrations, photography, hand-cut paper, wood, paint, ink and installations, Kennebrew dissects, defaces, layers and crassly tacks on foreign elements to chisel away at society’s history, power, trends and language. By exposing the layers, she clears a path to imagine, design and build a better futuristic representation of a transparent new world socially aware.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Conjunction (Friday May 13th, 2016) – A screening of a video project by Chanel Kennebrew and Brooklyn35. Followed by live performances. RSVP required. Please note – limited display of Explorations in Nude at this event. To see the full exhibit visit the Brooklyn35 and Junkprints pop-up space on Saturday and Sunday. Doors open at 6pm

Concordance (Saturday May 14th, 2016) – Find your at-oneness in a free community yoga class held in the environment of Explorations in Nude. Led by Tara Sponsored by WTRMLN WTR – RSVP for Class at 10am. Exhibit open to yogis at 9:45am and to public 11am – 7pm

Communion (Sunday May 15th, 2016) – An intimate dinner party and artist talk hosted by curators Jen Joyce Davis and Hana Elkhazin. Plant-based fare prepared by Chef Joanna Jeros. RSVP and donation required. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Black Lives Matter. Exhibit open to public 11am – 5pm

About Chanel Kennebrew and Junkprints

CHANEL KENNEBREW (b.1982, Inglewood, CA) is a Brooklyn/Philadelphia based mixed media artist and prop stylist. Kennebrew holds a B.F.A. from Ryerson University and has also studied at New York School of Visual Arts and Ontario College of Art and Design. She has exhibited her work at The Leroy Neiman Gallery, Westwood Gallery, i-20 Gallery, WNYC Radio’s Green Space, Rush Gallery, Andeken Gallery, SXSW and the Manifest Hope Art for Obama Democratic Convention Gallery Exhibition. She has done site-specific installation work at Etsy’s HQ, Publicis and branded art projects for Nickelodeon, Birkenstock, Pepsi, and Macy’s. In 2013 she won first place entry in Curate NYC. Her art has been featured and written about in the New York Times, The New York Post, Gawker and The Wall Street Journal. She has spoken on panels for The Asian Art’s Alliance, Corridor Gallery, The Black Future Project (Toronto), NYFA, and Craft Magazine. Kennebrew is a contributing prop stylist for InStyle Magazine, People StyleWatch Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Real Simple Magazine, Essence Magazine and Ebony Magazine.

About Brooklyn35

BROOKLYN35 is a progressive collective of musicians, singers, emcees, Dj’s, producers and visual artists who, instead of being pigeon-holed by the hip-hop genre, hang their hat on versatility. Brooklyn35 has a diverse collective of various styles, including Jazz, Reggae, RnB, Soul, and Dance. The collective’s process is in the vein of classic Motown. All aspects are collaborative from the song writing to the production. Most of our songs are created in a jam session environment. This process ensures that the music is clever spontaneous and unique.

About Tara Aura

Tara Purnell is a Washington, DC-native, brought to Brooklyn by magic and good fortune. She took her first yoga class as a student of media and marketing at University of Pennsylvania and fell in love. Yoga and transcendental mediation practices continued to ground her work as a multimedia producer and grant writer for youth, arts, education and wellness. With a compassionate spirit and a zest for life, Tara has dedicated her life to celebrating wellness and mindfully meditative arts –empowering people to feel better in their bodies and express their humanity.

About WTRMLN WTR

WTRMLN WTR™ is a great tasting, all natural cold-pressed watermelon water that hydrates and rejuvenates. Every bottle is packed with electrolytes (6x the leading artificial sports drink) and L Citrulline for workout recovery, plus nutrients and antioxidants from vitamin c and lycopene. With no added sugar or water and only watermelon flesh, watermelon rind + organic lemon, WTRMLN WTR is a pure and delicious way to stay hydrated.

About Joanna Jeros

Joanna Jeros is a New York City-based vegan chef and activist working at the ACLU. Having worked in the non-profit sector fighting for social justice for the last ten years, Joanna believes that working to support health through plant-based cooking is a natural extension of her passion for positively contributing to the world. She is a graduate of Hunter College and Ann Wigmore’s Living Foods Lifestyle course.

Art, Design, Thing I Love, Uncategorized

BROOKLYN < PHILADELPHIA

March 10, 2016 No Comments

My very slow breakup with NYC. Well I’m happy to report that contrary to the beliefs of many, NYC is not the center of the universe. For a solid decade I have been wonderfully embraced by the big dirty apple, but in the realm of growth I’ve decided that I need more space both figuratively and literally. So I made the big huge little leap and have moved Junkprints to Philadelphia! Yep, Yep, sorry NY, sometimes you just have to ditch a bitch. Living in New York has become somewhat like dating a celebrity, it’s fun exciting, glamorous and kinda makes you seem ‘big time’ On the flip side you are constantly questioning your relation to the relationship.

That being said…it is a slow breakup and I still spend about half of my time in NYC (maybe even more than that), on sets styling for all your fave mags and brands.

So now let’s talk about all the great stuff that Philly has to offer. SPACE! The home of junkprints is in a lovely loft space smack dab in the Philly proper. Folks are generally not complaining as much about rents, you’d be surprised how much head space talking about and dealing with gentrification takes up in NYC. Yo! there is some incredible art coming out of this city, it’s amazing what folks come up with when they have room to take risks and experiment.

Speaking of incredible art. I’m thrilled to announce that I am working on a new Series of Art Called Explorations in Nude. Yep ART!!!!!

2015-05-30 06.17.19 1

Things I Hate, Uncategorized

How you see it and how I see it

February 22, 2016 No Comments

Yesterday I met up with a long time friend and Brooklyn business owner and a commercial real estate developer pal. My friend is looking into expanding his business in Philly so I tagged along with them to scope out neighborhoods talk to other business owners and get a general feel of Philadelphia. We had some pretty interesting conversations regarding gentrification, the inevitable boring cloud that will roll over nyc due to pricing out creatives, and we also talked about our various view on what the future holds as far as urban development.

If you ever want to really get the lowdown on what’s to come in your neighborhood, make friends with a real estate developer and members of city council. So much of the conversations about what will be allowed to go where are are determined by those two entities…with supposed input from the community residents. The part that was so startling to me about many of the views of the developer was how much money and aquisition of it seemed to be a primarily concern. For examples, the proposed plan to build a gated high rise luxury apartment building in an area of row houses. The community was completely against it. The developer was for it stating that by bring in higher earning residents the city could have more tax revenue. My concern is that property taxes are done based on average area incomes so that would inevitably push out old tenants by the tax increase. He argued that the schools and public facilities, such as parks would get more funding from that and get better…but better for whom? My concern was primarily for the residents that currently live in the neighborhood not the rich ones he hoped to invite. I understand that change is inevitable and cities are constantly in a state of flux. One thing that became very apparent in that conversation is that there is a huge gap in perspective in how residents view where they live and developers view that same region. I truely feel that most folks just want a decent roof over their head in a safe and neighborhoor. There are so many people in the business of shaping what that means to potential buyers, often done in a way that doesn’t support diversity in age, backgrounds and socioeconomic position. Doing that isn’t generally as profitable. So that gap in perspective of what the future of the neighborhood could be is so large that folks are often not even speaking the same language.

I don’t think that all developers are bad folks and there are some beautiful examples of valuable developments such as Crane art and the teachers lofts on philadelphia. It’s just that so much of the positive development is rarely enjoyed by people of color and old neighborhood residents. I’m sure alot of this has to do with the limited participation and involment if those parties with city planning, funding and development.

That limited involvement sounds like the same problem with every other sector (with the exclusion of activism) of business, from art, fashion, music, finance, tech, entertainment etc.
At the end of our conversation I had a series of mixed emotions and thoughts.

Events, Random, Thing I Love, Things I Hate, Uncategorized

What they don’t tell you about Cruises

January 18, 2016 No Comments

They sneak gratuity…pull you way out of cell and WiFi region then auto charge your credit card for gratuity…after you have been cash tipping the whole time…fail

“Washy washy”. There are over enthusiast folks eager to spray you with hand sanitizer everywhere and they say ‘Washy washy’

The cruise director makes random announcements across the ship’s pa system. It feels like you are a participant in the hunger games or in 1984. Our cruise director’s name was Dave ‘Dingo’ he had an Australian accent and was always enthusiastically announcing things like the 20 minute dance party on deck 7 or that deck 4 has sprinkles.

You will not receive an accurate map nor information about your next port unless it relates to booking an overpriced activity or excursion. And Internet service is $30 per day. Best bet is to check your emails when you arrive at your docking destinations most of the restaurants had free wifi…and negotiate when you get places. There is tons to get into.

And all the restaurants on the ship serve the same food. They just arrange it differently.

There are lots of shuffle board courts on decks perfect for socializing and getting the scoop on cruises from fellow cruisers .

The elevators take forever and are always full. Take the stairs, you probably ate 3 plates worth of food for dinner so you should probably take the stairs anyway.

The towels folded as animals and surprisingly very impressive.

Water… bring your own bottled water. The ship’s water taste sketchy and half of the water dispensers are out of order at any given time.

Everyone is super friendly, the workers the passengers…it’s pretty cool. One thing I notices is that the staff don’t get much time off. One of the fitness instructors said that he had been working for 2 weeks straight and within that time had only had 4 hours off…sounds exploitative, but they did seem happy and I don’t know the full details of their working arrangements.

Mind your head if you are sleeping on the bottom bunk

Being vegetarian/vegan, gluten free or pretty much having any kind of “dietary restriction” better yet, if you aren’t into eating heavy salt sugar and starchy meals it’s challenging to eat balanced. The folks on the ship never want to exclude, I guess it’s part of the hospitality so you’ll find yourself asking about 3 people for every dish if it’s dairy free, vegetarian etc. and most likely it won’t be dairy free (gluten free etc.) and if it doesn’t contain dairy (or whatever else you are attempting to stay away from to stay clean) it will be ridiculous salty or sweet. The part that makes it super rough is that you are pretty much trapped on the boat for the majority of the trip. And you are not allowed to bring food from your ports back on the ship.

It’s a great way to visit many places. I’m Belizean on my mom’s side and it was honestly the least expensive way to get there. While I was there I discovered that you can catch a bus up north to Playa Del Carmen Mexico, right outside of Cancun, for about $9 then catch an inexpensive flight back to the U.S. I even ended up meeting folks who jumped ship at certain spots along the cruise…don’t think you are suppose to do that but hey it’s your life

Overall it’s a dope experience, mostly because my folks are dope and central America is dope. Glad to roll with @Kennebrew the 2M2X crew and Tough Dumplin on my first communal yachting experience aka cruise.

Uncategorized

THE PRODUCT WHISPERER

January 26, 2015 No Comments

I’ve been working on my Styling website for a few days…uhhhem, I mean few weeks. I asked on of the photographers that I work with regularly if she could send me some of the images I’ve worked on and she told me it’s a lot, bring a drive. She did a meta data search to find all the images I’ve worked on for the last 2.5 years. It was over 5000 shots. crazy huh? Well I’ve finally done through it all and picked out the creme of the crop. The site is done!

Art, Design, Events, Thing I Love, Things I Make, Uncategorized

SHOP IN PERSON MAY 31st.

May 23, 2014 No Comments

If you find your self in the NYC on May 31st, be sure to come visit me at the Ladies Love pop Up shop, from Noon-8p Located at
273 Bowery @ Houston st, NY, NY. I’ll be there all day with the new collection along some of the most innovative inspiring makers that I know.

P.S. Most of the new stuff including the pants are unisexed sized, for all my fave dudes and Junk Princes.

The following is the press release for the event.

PRESENTS:
SPRING 2014 POP-UP SHOP!

Shopping Event Showcases the Freshest Fashion, Homemade Decor, Independent Artists, Local Flavors + more at the Houston Street Center!

NEW YORK, NY April 11, 2014 — On Saturday, May 31st, 2014, the LADIES LOVE PROJECT presents its seventh POP-UP SHOP! – to be held at Houston Street Center from 12pm – 8pm.

At the intersection of LES museums, storefronts, schools and busy sidewalks – LLP is ecstatic to once again bring its 2014 Spring POP-UP Art Market to the masses! We invite you to come out, welcome the new season with our favorite taste-makers and new up + coming artistans – all ready to meet your life’s style needs!

The Ladies Love Project, a brainchild of renowned street artist TOOFLY, sound sensation Circa95’ duo, Patty Dukes & Rephstar and creative non-profit aficionado A.Mari, brings NYC’s most creative underground artists and designers right to YOU. Our one-day-only events allow for an intimate, yet energetic market shopping experience – designed to familiarize consumers, media representatives and trendsetters with artists currently celebrating prominence.

LLP promises that this springs art menu will please folks from all walks of life – whether you’re new to the shop or not! Into the environment like BESOS NOT BOMBS who specialize in recycled gear; love staying/being young with toys by MARKA 27; want to peep new styles from EDWIN SOTO for you or your boo; or, want to pull up a chair and relax while EL SALONSITO touches up your nails? We got you covered!

Remember your favorite bracelet, canvas or tee from our last shop and want more? We can’t wait to see you and neither can our vet vendors like VANILLA MEDALLIONS, JUNKPRINTS, LIl EGO / LIL DIVA and WONDER LEE – among others!

Worried about being hungry or thirsty? Don’t sweat it! Cupcakes by Jenny Kinns, Martha’s Kitchen & LLP will have plenty of sweet, savory and palate satisfying treats for you, fam and friends all day!

Circa ’95’s RephStar, DJ Enygma, and DJ Polarity will tag team on the 1’s and 2’s for non stop jams all day. A live broadcast of the event will be streamed at www.Circa95.com and will feature a performance showcase by Aurora Barnes – NYC based singer/songwriter/actress siren whose debut EP ‘Fair Game,’ is about to drop – and Rhyme Factory – the grassroots MC cypher that’s all about spreading Hip Hop.

From start to end, our official event photographer, Samantha Morales, will be sure not to miss taking the best candids of all our amazing market-goers, so get ready to put that hot selfie face on! We’d love to see you, so before you end your SHOP experiencer, definitely stop by the LLP Fam Table for LOVEswag and enter a chance to win an official LLP Tote with surprise SHOP gifts from a variety of our vendors!

Our LLP spring event venue, Houston Street Center at 273 Bowery, is a community arts and culture event space, plays host to the eclectic mix of talent. LLP is honored to again be partnering with this NYC cultural cornerstone, as the shop prides itself in exposing both new and established artists.

Art on canvas, handmade goods, jewelry, t-shirts, graffiti, live music—you name it— the LADIES LOVE PROJECT SPRING POP-UP SHOP doesn’t get any more New York than this! We want to rock with YOU – so join us at the SHOP on 5/31/14!!

“Having the LADIES LOVE PROJECT POP-UP SHOP in the heart of the lower east side is a perfect fit,” says Patty Dukes and Rephstar of Circa 95’. “All of the vendors have styles that honor old New York, yet each demonstrates a unique progression with great, must-have niche items.”

“This shop is going to be our best edition of the shop yet! We are thrilled to be back at HSC and are ready to bring in springtime with artists we know & love and newcomers we can’t wait to bring to you!” – A.Mari

Art, Events, Thing I Love, Things I Make, Uncategorized

WOMEN’S WORK opening this friday

March 12, 2014 No Comments

In celebration of Women’s History Month and beyond, The LeRoy Neiman Art Center presents WOMEN’S WORK – an exhibition highlighting the work of ten New York artists:

Amber Doe, Beatrice Lebreton, Chanel Kennebrew, Kathleen Granados, Monique Schubert, Myrah Brown Green, Nancy Elsamanoudi, Valerie Deas, Wilhemina Grant and Xia Gordon.

Their backgrounds, experiences and media vary widely; they are emerging, mid-career and established; they are self-taught and academic, and; their perspectives on the world around them are many. Each, through her art, however, has a personal message to share and WOMEN’S WORK brings these imaginative stories, and distinct personalities, together to convey the breadth of their experiences and perspectives on life.

Key dates include:
• Opening Reception: Friday, March 14, 2014 | 6-9pm
• Artist Talk: Saturday, March 29, 2014 | 4-6pm
• Exhibition Dates: March 11, 2014 – April 26, 2014

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