AKOFENA ARTS – IT'S A VIBE – moving to my own beat

Derrick Adams: LOOKS

Posted on 17 Apr 20228 May 2022 by Ali Jamal

School was out, so Kali and I went back to the Cleveland Museum of Art for another Diasporan display. My artiste of a teenager and I were able to check out LOOKS, the wig inspired/politically driven paintings of Derrick Adams. https://videopress.com/v/82as47Kg?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&autoPlay=true&loop=true&muted=true&persistVolume=false&playsinline=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true I love the scale of these paintings - they're quite massive. Bottom line, Derrick … Continue reading Derrick Adams: LOOKS

Kemet in Cleveland – the Kevin “Chill” Heard Tour

Posted on 10 Apr 20225 May 2022 by Ali Jamal

Knowledge is power and there's no doubt about it. Learning the facts of the great civilization called Kemet is in itself empowering. Our Brother Kevin "Chill" Heard offers one of the most in-depth tours of the Cleveland Museum of Art "Egyptian" Exhibit around. He is able to decipher hieroglyphs, offer historical counter arguments, provide alternative … Continue reading Kemet in Cleveland – the Kevin “Chill” Heard Tour

CLE Car Show 2022

Posted on 8 Mar 20228 Apr 2022 by Ali Jamal

Confession: This was my first car show - EVER! I'm just not into cars like that, but it was't bad at all. We saw some pretty dope vehicles and also some cars that haven't changed much over the years. Perhaps car makers are running out of ideas! Oh well, here are a few of the … Continue reading CLE Car Show 2022

My Second Journey to East Africa – pt.1

Posted on 27 Feb 202225 Apr 2022 by Ali Jamal

From LaGuardia to Kilamanjaro.. Early morning! These folks were headed to India - a pretty wild site. Kenya Airways! The Journey begins.. Watching In the Heights - one of many movies! We had to gas up in Uganda. We made it to Arusha! Kilamanjaro Airport COVID Protocols - Annoying.. but necessary. Heading into town - … Continue reading My Second Journey to East Africa – pt.1

Revealing Krishna at the CMA

Posted on 12 Dec 20212 May 2022 by Ali Jamal

As always, Kali and I have the best experiences! On this day, it was unusually warm for December so we got out and enjoyed another CMA exhibit entitled Revealing Krishna. The virtual reality experience with narration was awesome, but the story of how "Krishna" made its way to Cleveland was even more amazing. It's a … Continue reading Revealing Krishna at the CMA

Rhapsody

Posted on 1 Dec 202124 Apr 2022 by Ali Jamal

Enlightened minds break down synthetic barriers. They carry burden with pride Often, with no soldiers on their side Just pretenders and defenders of the same bullshit that they have done their whole lives But regardless of the wake up and rise up. When you’re standing in the dungeon, simply climb up When … Continue reading Rhapsody

The Immersive Van Gogh Experience

Posted on 27 Nov 20217 May 2022 by Ali Jamal

This was dope! Van Gogh, crazy as hell - or was he? I can relate, kind of.. Anyway, the Immersive Van Gogh was a fantastic experience. One of a kind. I have to respect all the work a project like this takes! Masterful projectors and painting and curating and graphic design - they completely transformed … Continue reading The Immersive Van Gogh Experience

A Perfect Fall Day

Posted on 12 Nov 202113 Nov 2021 by Ali Jamal

In a window seat in Bixby Cafe at Shaker Square, reading about AfrofuturismBack at the house, Kali in her elementWorking on some graphicsFire red tree leavesAn afternoon at the movies to see My Hero Academia - It was so good!

Another Long Journey

Posted on 9 Oct 202124 Apr 2022 by Ali Jamal

As I navigate incessant noise Of arguments and gun shots Racial rants, schemes and political plots My ears grow weary, bleeding on queue. The rhetoric and ridiculous notions Of materialism and mental madness I need to get away from An inherent longing to be that butterfly who fleas, that monarch that travels cross seas and … Continue reading Another Long Journey

Buckeye Neighborhood Mural Unveiling

Posted on 19 Sep 202113 Nov 2021 by Ali Jamal

On this special day, the East 128th Street Block Club unveiled a historic mural that was two years in the making, It was NOT an easy process and in fact the challenges often felt insurmountable. But finally, FINALLY, the finished product was completed, installed, unveiled and celebrated. Early morning preparation.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN6Am8vvwpA&t=1s