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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.”

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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.

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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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Fashion

Mike Amiri’s Fashion Empire, Unveiling the 2024 Net Worth of the Trendsetting Designer

Mike Amiri

Mike Amiri’s Fashion Empire, Unveiling the 2024 Net Worth of the Trendsetting Designer

 

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In the ever-changing realm of fashion, some designers rise above the rest, embodying style, opulence, and innovation. Mike Amiri, a luminary in his own right, has woven a tale of success from obscurity to acclaim. Discover the 2024 net worth of the visionary behind Amiri, a designer whose passion and creativity have elevated him to the pinnacle of the fashion world.

Mike Amiri’s journey commenced in the heart of Los Angeles, where his love for fashion and design sprouted from humble beginnings. From his early years, his keen eye for aesthetics drew inspiration from the vibrant street culture that enveloped him, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

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In 2014, Amiri boldly launched his eponymous fashion label, Amiri, with a distinctive vision to redefine luxury streetwear. Melding high-end craftsmanship with urban aesthetics, his debut collection garnered widespread acclaim, captivating fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. The Amiri brand gained momentum, solidifying its position as a formidable force in contemporary fashion.

Cultivating his brand meticulously, Mike Amiri earned a fan base among Hollywood’s elite. Expanding beyond clothing, signature denim and leather jackets became staples, while statement footwear and accessories exuded an effortless coolness and sophistication. Ventures into collaborations with notable artists and musicians further elevated Amiri’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

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Capitalizing on business opportunities, Amiri showcased a knack for staying ahead in the ever-changing fashion landscape. Exclusive partnerships, limited-edition releases, pop-up shops, and international expansion became integral parts of the brand’s success.

Reflecting on Mike Amiri’s net worth in 2024, estimated at $15 million by Idol Net Worth, his journey from a budding designer to a revered fashion icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Through determination, talent, and a pursuit of excellence, he carved a niche in a cutthroat industry. With a finger on the pulse of contemporary culture, Mike Amiri continues to push boundaries, inspiring individuals globally to embrace their unique style and self-expression. As fashion evolves, one certainty prevails: Mike Amiri’s influence and legacy will endure for years to come.

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Artist Spotlight

Shreyaa Sumi: A Red Carpet Sensation with a Story of Triumph

In the glitzy world of fashion and entertainment, certain personalities shine bright, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. One such luminary is Shreyaa Sumi, a multi-talented individual who has left an indelible mark on the global fashion scene. Shreyaa has become a symbol of success, juggling roles as an American model, actress, and a devoted wife and mother. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of this accomplished individual who recently graced the Los Angeles fashion show with her stunning presence.

Red Carpet Glamour at Los Angeles Fashion Show:

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Shreyaa Sumi recently stole the spotlight at a Los Angeles fashion show, turning heads with her radiant red look. The Instagram sensation posted a video flaunting her glamorous ensemble – a short and sassy red dress paired with long black shoes and a chic red jacket. The caption, “What time is it? It’s showtime! Thank you for inviting me to your private NY Red Carpet event,” exuded confidence and excitement. The location tag placed her at the heart of the entertainment world – Los Angeles, Hollywood.

Early Life and Modelling Beginnings:

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Shreyaa Sumi embarked on her modeling journey in India, where her passion for fashion and media first took root. However, it wasn’t until she moved to the United States with her husband Vijai, that she decided to pursue her dreams on an international scale. From that point forward, there was no looking back for Shreyaa.

Family and Personal Life:

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Beyond the glitz and glamour, Shreyaa Sumi is a proud wife to Vijai and a doting mother to her daughter, Sia Vijai. Her ability to balance a thriving career with family life is a testament to her resilience and dedication. In media interviews, Shreyaa has openly shared how her family has been her pillar of support, standing by her throughout her journey to turn dreams into reality.

Awards and Accolades:

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Shreyaa Sumi’s success in the fashion industry is underscored by a slew of prestigious awards. In 2022, she clinched the title of Mrs Universe Asia USA, a testament to her excellence on the international stage. Additionally, she has been honored with a doctorate, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the fields of media and fashion. Shreyaa also holds the Asia’s Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying her status as an industry trailblazer.

Shreyaa Sumi’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and unwavering determination. From her modest beginnings in Tamilnadu, India, to gracing the red carpet in Hollywood, she has come a long way. As an American model, actress, and a devoted wife and mother, Shreyaa Sumi continues to inspire aspiring individuals in the fashion and entertainment industry. With a string of accolades to her name and a supportive family by her side, Shreyaa is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the world of glamour and fame.

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