I don’t think I ever imagined I’d live through a time like this. Few of us did, I’m sure.
Though I have always found solace in art and fantasy, and have always seen great value in providing beauty and escapism through the fantasy I create, it’s becoming harder and harder for me to accept those of us who seem determined to turn a blind eye to what is happening to the world at the moment.
It’s been very hard for me to reconcile the fact that what I do is seen as ‘apolitical’ by so many, and that a lot of my followers express disgust and animosity towards me expressing political opinions publicly.
Though the world I create and inhabit trades in glamour, beauty and fantasy I do not see a disconnect. For a woman to freely express her sexuality and sensuality in a society that still condemns us for doing so, and to use that aesthetic identity to inspire and empower those who appreciate it is not an apolitical act. I revel in, take pride in and monetize my sexuality - something the status quo is determined for women NOT to do. I have lived my entire life as a freelance artist trading in my image and personality.
If you are here because you think I’m something pretty and nothing more, you’ve not been paying attention.
If you don’t understand why people like me are terrified by what is happening to this country (and the world), I urge you to look at the life you have led and ask yourself if things might have been different for you if you weren’t... white and male, for example. Privilege doesn’t mean your life has been easy, but it does mean there are a whole bunch of things that are really hard for other people which you’ve probably never even had to think about, let alone worry about. It’s not that hard to understand, and if reading this pisses you off I honestly don’t give a fuck anymore.
If the majority of us don’t start caring about other people and making choices that are good for society - not just ourselves and our bank accounts - we will all go down in flames.
With these thoughts at the forefront of my mind, I was so very grateful to have the chance to collaborate with Tosca Cyr on this video art piece in collaboration with Dadass Films and Scott Hove shot at Cakeland LA - a time capsule of 2020.
It was the highlight of my year to get to work with this wonderful group of people to strive to create something positive out of such a terrifying year. 💗
In Tosca’s words…
2020ism - A Time Capsule
Come for the beauty stay for the reality check ✔️
This year has been an unprecedented onslaught of news headlines narrating every day of our lives. Our goal was to create a chronological yet surrealist time capsule of the roller coaster of emotions and events we’ve all experienced this year by use of the buzzwords that have been burned into our minds. It’s not perfect, but we felt inclined to create something with our community during this time of global strife...
Step in at 2019, and see you at today! Oh and when you arrive at today...VOTE ✏️
Thank you @scotthove for being an amazing co-creator and offering beautiful @cakeland.la as the landscape for our joint idea!
Direction by @toscacyr
Shot by @dadass_films
Edited by #GraylockStudios (us hehe)
Featuring
@aliamo @neonkeon@the_good_guy91 @kuteur@brynnroute @missmiranda@annetothelisa @_kylathecreator_@cataclysmickoi
“Lament for what we have lost”
Music/performance @cataclysmickoi
Sound Mixing
Ali Nikou / Master Blaster Prod
Prod Assistance
@blairecush @maurysafarii
Photography
@spikeandthecamera
Video inspired by my all time idol @bobdylan ✨