Fashion

In the Art of Tonia Nneji and Zohra Opoku, Poignant Narratives of Healing

While Nneji’s new exhibition, “You May Enter,” considers how women negotiate varying degrees of physical and emotional trauma, Opoku’s latest work considers mortality and the afterlife….

Opoku has a tradition of using old family textiles in her work, and thereby weaving past histories into her current life. In Chapter 1, I Am Made Strong, she represents different parts of her body abstractly dismembered from the whole; screen-printed images of her head, torso, and arms sit in the left-hand corner of the linen cloth. Images of bare winter tree limbs are colored in red and purple and pink, as though caught in various stages of a winter sunset, and superimposed as skin on her body, and where her face should be. An outstretched hand bears an image of her real face, balanced on the tips of her fingers as if for a better view of the approaching, unknown future. A series of closed and open hands, and separate cutout images of her lips, nose, eye, and ear float in the air against more barren tree limbs, their spindly branches colored yellow and set on a dark background like a wallpaper of X-rayed human veins. For Opoku, trees symbolize life, and also the reality that as our human bodies die, they are making a slow return to the earth from which they came. Adding color to these images gratified her hunger for vibrance during treatment in wintry Berlin, and recalled the colorful life in Ghana that she suddenly had to abandon.

Creating I Am Made Strong was a way for Opoku to reflect on what was happening to her body. “I needed something to get away from my worries and to reflect on my journey in a different way. I wanted to transform it from this terrifying moment into a moment of peace,” she explains. An encounter with an exhibition on ancient Egypt at the New Museum in Berlin proved deeply influential. Taken by the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife, Opoku began to study the Book of the Dead, a compilation of Egyptian texts to help the deceased navigate the afterlife and reach a paradise symbolic of their lives on earth. “I was so moved by how the Egyptians reconciled with death, that I started thinking about my own possible death differently,” Opoku says. “If I was meant to leave this life soon, I wanted to create my own chapters reflecting on mortality, and preparing for whatever lay beyond.”

Image may contain Advertisement Collage Poster Clothing Apparel Pants Human and Person — Zohra Opoku, I have power over my heart. I have power over my mouth. I have power over my legs. I have power over my limbs. I again have power over my invocation offerings. I have power over air. I have power over water. I have power over the flood. I have power over the river. I have power over the riverbanks. I have power over males who act against me. I have power over females who act against me in necropolis. I have power over those ordered to act (against me) on earth, 2020. Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter II. Screenprint on linen, thread. 100 x 61 3/4 in. 254 x 157 cm.
Photo: Copyright the Artist. Courtesy of Mariane Ibrahim

Still undergoing treatment, Opoku shared that being touched and examined by so many different sets of hands “felt like my body’s parts were being separated from the whole, like I was being dismembered. And yet it was all part of this journey towards healing. I had to find a way to access and focus on another part of my identity that could feel whole, since my body couldn’t.” Turning the experience into material for her work helped Opoku create a sense of distance from her actual human body, and use it to reflect on the fullness of her human spirit. “In the ancient texts I was researching, hands were always used to pass on something or explain something vital to the journey towards the afterlife. I was trying to find parallels in my own work, to transform the meaning of all these real, physical hands poking and prodding me, fragmenting my body, into something more symbolically healing, and perhaps even preparing me for my own potential afterlife.”

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Artist Spotlight

Lizzo Stuns in Fishnet Glam, Embracing Confidence and TV Fandom

Lizzo is again serving looks and unapologetic confidence, taking to Instagram to show off her stunning weight loss in a bold and fashionable style. Rocking a short plaid skirt, a sleek black top, and fishnet tights, the chart-topping singer gave fans a glimpse of her glowing confidence and evolving fashion sense. But it wasn’t just the outfit that had people talking, it was Lizzo’s witty caption that added her signature flair. “Devour feculence,” she wrote, cheekily referencing a standout moment from Severance, the mind-bending series that has clearly left an impression on the star.

Fans flooded the comments with praise, celebrating her radiant appearance and her love for pop culture. “Love that reference! You look great!” one user raved, while another chimed in with admiration, “You look absolutely amazing, Lizzo.” But the self-love queen wasn’t done yet. In true Lizzo fashion, she kept the energy going with another playful post. This time, she rocked a black t-shirt and matching underwear, embracing her curves and flashing a confident smile. With humor at the forefront, she captioned the shot, “Me, myself & all my memes: (I still haven’t seen the season finale of Severance).”

The lighthearted self-roast resonated with her followers, many of whom praised her for celebrating both her body and her interests. Lizzo’s openness has always been a core part of her brand. From advocating for body positivity to promoting mental well-being, the “Good as Hell” singer continuously inspires fans to embrace themselves fully. Her recent posts are a reflection of that journey, one where self-love and joy are celebrated without reservation. And while some may be eager to dissect her weight loss, Lizzo’s focus remains on her happiness and self-expression.

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Artist Spotlight

Rare Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample Hits the Market

Sneaker culture is all about exclusivity, and sometimes, a truly special pair comes along that gets everyone excited. One such sneaker is the Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample, a unique blend of basketball history and baseball style. With its striking look and connections to two famous sports worlds, this rare sneaker has just hit the resale market, and collectors are eager to get their hands on it. Originally created for basketball star Penny Hardaway, the Foamposite One became a staple of ’90s sneaker fashion. Its innovative design was groundbreaking at the time.

However, this special Yankees-themed version takes it a step further. It features a deep navy blue and bright white color scheme, resembling the classic pinstripes of the New York Yankees, one of the most celebrated teams in baseball. The unique wave design that runs across the upper part makes this sneaker stand out, giving it a dynamic look and feel. Unlike the regular versions sold in stores, this sample was never mass-produced, which adds to its appeal among collectors and passionate Yankees fans. Currently listed on Index PDX in size 9 for an impressive $3,500, the price reflects how rare it is.

However, what really matters is the story behind it. From basketball courts to everyday life, the Foamposite One has always been a symbol of performance and fashion. This Yankees edition connects two sports that have captured the hearts of fans for generations. For those lucky enough to own this sneaker, it’s a statement piece. It showcases Nike’s dedication to exploring and celebrating sports culture. Whether proudly displayed or worn to show off hometown pride, the Yankees Foamposite One serves as a reminder of the unforgettable moments shared between basketball and baseball.

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