SHADE (2017). 

A documentary by Daren Conui 

“I was presented an opportunity to do a short doc on a local figure concerned with social issues and I immediately thought of Shade. Azha and Apryl have built a brand that does so well to highlight artists that wouldn't get recognition from more mainstream outlets while doing it in a way that's so true to themselves. When I spent time talking to them, in their space, I realized how synonymous Shade is to them and how much of themselves they put into their work. Seeing artists be able to have their writing and imagery recognized almost immediately as their own is a really cool thing, and I was interested in exploring that with Shade. Azha and Apryl were psyched from the first emails we exchanged and that just reinforced what they've said in the past about encouraging fellow artists like themselves. Seeing them genuinely excited about the project took a big load off and made it easier to have a real conversation. Like a lot of documentaries, only a fraction of what I recorded made it in the final edit, so stick with Shade to learn more.” - words from the filmmaker 

We spent the day in Oakland, at Shade HQ, where we got to talk about our past, the present and future aspirations for our passion project. This is the first look into our space and thoughts as a creative duo. If you’ve been with us since the beginning you know that Shade has lived through an evolution of content and contributions to our community. We are so excited to share this project with all of you. Thanks for sticking around. Stay critical.

- SHADE 

2017

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This is a public service announcement brought to you by us at Shade. Video by Victoria Valenti.

Happy International Women’s Day From Shade 

March is Women’s History Month and today marks an international celebration of women. One year ago, we were super excited to be featured on Dazed Digital’s 2016 list of inspiring women which inspired us to share our list with you. Read more about these incredible icons and their work that continues to motivate us to create and empower each other.

SHADE 2017

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                                                         Akia 

                                   a piece by Zoé Lawrence 

In this short documentary by visual artist, Zoe Lawrence, we are welcomed into Akia’s world. Tinted lavender with the lush hues of Florida’s foliage, this makes the most intimate setting for the portrait of an artist. 22 year old model and photographer Akia shares the journey and reality of self exploration on the intersection of blackness and queerness. He poignantly talks about the Black Experience and how important it is to communicate both the positive and the negative: a discussion that needs more attention. 

Akia speaks to the importance of preserving culture amongst self and a community that might otherwise be lost to erasure and the reality of non inclusivity. Lawrence’s work is an important piece in the documentation of the Black queer community as the creator’s of life, “from slang on down to the article of clothing.” Akia narrates the importance of bringing queer black men out of a two dimensional space to show the depth of character through struggles, sadness, and credence. The results leave Akia's confident identity glowing frame by frame.

“I’m blessed to be in this space. It’s a weird space to be in but I feel like I’m equipped. God gave me this position because I am able to navigate it. We’re documenting the black male experience. We’re trying to make spaces for the black woman experience. You are the blue print and you need to realize that.”

SHADE 2017

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SHOPSHADEZINE.BIGCARTEL.COM

SHOPSHADEZINE.BIGCARTEL.COM

SHOPSHADEZINE.BIGCARTEL.COM

SHOPSHADEZINE.BIGCARTEL.COM

SHOPSHADEZINE.BIGCARTEL.COM

CLASSIC SHADE TOTES / STICKERS / REISSUED I’M SORRY WE LIED ZINES

L I M I T E D      Q U A N T I T I E S     O N L Y 

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SHADE 2017

T I M E (2017)

a film by Brit Weathers 

As the fog of new years resolutions fade in the back of our minds, and a new administration comes into power over our rights, I reflected on the concept of Koyaanisqatsi. Koyaanisqatsi means moral corruption and turmoil. Others say it means life out of balance. Time will always be constant and life will continue to have the split seconds of bliss or sadness spontaneously. The question I ask or I am motivating is that in the cycle of time one should smile. 

Brit Weathers is an LA native and artist who communicates  through film & critical creativity. Her work is centered in art literacy, industrial design & designing with social purpose. "I want to create more media that can be soothing to the soul but sparks the mind. Visuals are a great medium to obtain that goal.”

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SHADE 2017

SHADE X URBAN OUTFITTERS

Last week we hosted Urban Outfitters’ Class of 2017 event in San Francisco. Class of 2017 is a campaign dedicated to youth empowerment through the arts, with events being held in major cities across the nation. We were able to collaborate on exclusive totes where all the proceeds went to SOMArts, a San Francisco arts & culture center. Thanks to everyone who came out to the event and for always supporting us.

Check out the recap on the Urban Outfitters Blog now!

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SHADE 2017

Photos courtesy of Kameron Richie

Beyond excited to be a part of a special q&a with @uosanfrancisco moderated by @rgb_ . We worked on limited amount of exclusive totes with @urbanoutfitters . The donations from the purchase will be going to @somarts so get there early ! New sticker & reprint of "I'm Sorry We Lied" will be for sale as well , see you there guys !!! 🌹🌹🌹 Located at the the 80 Powell St. location in San Francisco from 6-8pm on Thursday 1/12 !

(SHADE) 

H O L D   O N by @djjyazmine

T H A T   G I R L

Yazmine Rosario, FKA DJ Yazmine.

Yazmine’s mixes painted Summer 2015 with the sounds of Favela~trap and 90s R&B grooves. We finally got a look into her mind and what inspires her creativity. She blessed us with H O L D  O N  a funky Empowering Mix exclusively for Shade.

Photography by Zoé Lawrence 

Listen to “ H O L D  O N ” on the Shade Soundcloud & read the interview below.

SHADE 2016

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We’re back from LA & just released our second podcast: Read A Book. In Episode 2, we talk about living in Trump’s America, healing, activism, and CAMP FLOG GNAW! Go listen on our Soundcloud.

SHADE 2016

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D E C O L O N I Z I N G   A R T    S P A C E S 

Modern and contemporary art is largely documented and showcased through a Eurocentric eye with little to no recognition for artists of color through the decades. Museums are institutions. It is important to consider how our art is consumed by viewers in different spaces as well as what factors affect the curatorial process. Art becomes a colonized practice when the work or material that is being shown are people’s actual histories not told from their own perspective. It is very disrespectful for these institutions to display our experiences and creations as nothing more than a series of “artifacts” as if we’re not here. This is a form of erasure. Some of the most notable modern and contemporary art museums only dedicate small fractions of their space to artists of color. We are far more than antiquated displays that reduce and fragment our stories. We want our art to be respected and uplifted on its own. This is why underground and non-institutional art spaces are just as relevant as renowned museums (if not more important). We’ve compiled a very mini list of museums and spaces, throughout LA & the Bay, with intersectional art practice. We encourage you to learn more about/support your local art spaces and museums in efforts to get the representation we deserve. With you, the list would truly go on. 

1. U N D E R G R O U N D  M U S E U M

2. P A P I L L I O N  

3. L U G G A G E  S T O R E  G A L L E R Y

4. B E T T I   O N O

5. M E X I C A N   M U S E U M

6. O A K L A N D  M U S E U M  of  C A 

7. SOMArts

8. A S I A N  A R T  M U S E U M

9. P I F  G A L L E R Y 

10. M U S E U M  of  A F R I C A N  D I A S P O R A

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SHADE 2016

Where are you going Amy Louise ?

What I love about Amy is everything you might not know about her. She is everywhere yet she remains a mystery to you. Chances are you’ve seen her mug on Instagram or read one of her many Shrek related tweets. She is a charm. Take one look at her selfies and you’ll see that they stand alone as individual art pieces. Amidst each vibrant portrait is a collection of what some might describe as grotesque creations. But to Amy’s eye it beholds beauty.                                              What are you thinking Amy Louise? 

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SHADE 2016

Read the interview below.

SHADE x MISSING TEXTURES

We collaborated with LA’s very own multimedia artist, Missing Textures, on our very first Shade t shirt release. Luke’s work confronts issues within our communities with gentrification, representation and our vulnerability as people of color. The journey in creating this release was significant to us with the recent loss of our best friend Terrence. This was a tragedy due to gun violence and systemic disregard for black lives. This is for y o u. We want this release to to shine a light on being comfortable with your complexities and being y o u. This is wearable art that embraces what we think and feel. What’s the thing that you’re waiting for? Seek it. Live it. Shade Zine is with you.

"identity is a really personal aspect of the self. i find myself too guarded and too trusting all at once. it's an act of love and trust and care when i share a piece of myself—the intersections inside and outside of me are the most valuable things in my life. i know i can only find myself with you; i wait a lot for myself, but i can't be waiting to tell someone that they mean a lot to me. i'm learning and i can't wait to share it with you."  - Luke Kim

http://shopshadezine.bigcartel.com/

http://shopshadezine.bigcartel.com/

http://shopshadezine.bigcartel.com/

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SHADE 2016

Our friends and supporters have been asking us about a podcast for a while so we finally got to sit down and record our first official Shade podcast.  This episode we discussed mental health in communities of color, approaches to self care and Azha gives a passionate review of Solange’s new album! We hope you all enjoy and are excited to participate in any future podcasts we might have.  Stay critical!

SHADE 2016

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L I S H  T Y P E  B E A T  X  S H A D E

RUDE    GROOVES 

Calling this is a mix is kinda misleading. This is more of a sonic story, an arrangement of sounds that code out my lemonade type tension and triumph that expands from an intimate self love to the love I feel in my relationships and culture. It sounds sweet and scary, gentle and startling, romantic and cold, because it's like me - I love hard but I'm not the easiest to understand. I can be the most off-putting in my most transparent moments. But I'll let you call this passion rude because I ran out of time to sugar coat. I have to act now and those I love must be just as certain about who we are and what we’re making together, if not, they can cut their allies and play themselves if they choose to. Although, I do dream of coming together and staying together because we're in a prominent time where our creations can manifest quickly and fruitfully if we stay to see it through. We mustn't be afraid to love unconditionally, take risks, and express ourselves freely. This is how we can cut out our fears and doubts, through our superpowers to love and express, by proving to each other how powerful we can be together. Making this was a great release of the tension and passion I've felt in my precious relationships and crafts. At the heart of the rude move is a certainty of self and a trust in love and expression, that's what it's really about.

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SHADE 2016

B A R B I E    W O R L D

Filmed & Directed by Ciara Boniface

Starring : @chinremoval @mik.dap @notmichele

Name: Ciara Boniface

Age: 18

Location: Dallas, TX

Hobbies: filmmaking and occasionally skateboarding

What inspired you to make Barbie World?

My friends and I wanted to recreate another video we did, titled “BARBIE GIRLS”, which included the same theme of violence seen through a woman’s eye; except for this video we wanted it to be shot in film. The Barbie videos are a complex ideology of female empowerment through the use of popular figures in a female society such as the Barbie doll. But we use what has been taught to us to break barriers with rap music which may contrast with the visual of pretty little girls.

The girls in this video are very empowered. What is the meaning of this?

They are empowered because of events that put them through compromising positions, which brought them out to be stronger individuals. The juxtaposition of the violent music and the soft Barbie image show an important contrast of the feminine individual, and our capability to be powerful and cathartic. Maybe women are shown to be passive and emotional, and that can be portrayed in the first video. But there is also a side that exists of rage and violence. We would like to see that side come out more.

We know the girls are your friends. What is your clique up to?

We are all very different girls, but we each share a strong familiarity with each other and our interests. We plan to keep putting out these videos with the common themes that we have been using, such as the “Barbie” reference which can hold our work to a state of recognition.

What is something you think is important in 2016?

I think it’s important to find balance between holding holding your own interests high, and staying compassionate to others. I feel like I’m seeing less compassion these days, and more greed.

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SHADE ZINE 2016