PAUL May Issue 2017

PAULTHE REVIEW

Philadelphia Art & Urban Literary Review

ISSUE NO. 2 MAY 2017

FEATURED Priscilla Anacakuyani LITERARY Ardie Stuart Brown
ARTISTS Mikel Elam CONTRIBUTION Mikel Elam
Lynda Grace Sheena Garcia
Wanda Payne
Lynda Grace
Orien Weathersby Kala Hagopian-Willliams

Kenny White
Kala Hagopian-Willliams

Cover Art: Kala Hagopian-Williams

PRISCILLA Title: The Divine Feminine
Acrylic on Canvas
ANACAKUYANI



The Ongoing Struggle: Reflections of Indigenous Women of the Americas
Anthony Torcasio (Seper) & Priscilla Anacakuyani

The Ongoing Struggle: Reflections of Indigenous Women of the Americas
Anthony Torcasio (Seper) & Priscilla Anacakuyani

The Ongoing Struggle is a collaborative effort between two local Philadelphia artists, Abstract artist
Anthony Torcasio (Seper) and Taino artist/activist Priscilla Anacakuyani Bell.

This challenging yet enlightening six-painting series combined the best of the artists’ individual
styles. Torcasio and Bell built each of the compositions by applying layer upon layer of paint as if
they were battling one another in a friendly duel, both literally and figuratively.

Without any initial direction on how the pieces would manifest, the images of Indigenous women
started to reveal themselves on the wood panels. Torcasio’s line-work began to find their place
throughout Bell’s portraits, weaving in and out as if they were the Elements themselves- Fire, Air,
Earth, and Water.

For the artists, the body of work quickly symbolized the struggles of the Indigenous peoples of the
Americas, a topic that Bell, is very familiar with being an Indigenous woman and activist, and a
topic that Torcasio became exposed to while working with Bell and becoming involved as an ally in
causes like NoDAPL, a fight concerning the Dakota Access Pipeline, that the Standing Rock Sioux
in North Dakota is still (unfortunately) battling against.

It is the hope of Torcasio and Bell to combine their talents in the near future for more collaboration.

Reflections of Indigenous Women of the Americas
Anthony Torcasio (Seper) & Priscilla Anacakuyani



Priscilla Anacakuyani

MIKEL ELAM

Mikel Elam

Mikel Elam

Mikel Elam

Prophecy

By Mikel Elam

Prophecy. Warnings. Life imitates art. Art imitates life. Artificial life.
Intelligence renegotiated through silicon devices.

A lack of respect is apparent. A sense of domination. Every place. Ego. Desire for
more power, then more power. A boost for ego.

Time passing. Generations come and then they go. There is hate. There is love.
Sometimes indifference. We love. They love. More easily a warped love.
A corrupted love.
They speak of humanity. They take from humanity. Let them eat cake”

A famous quote from an ill fated queen. When told the people have no bread.
She ate cake daily.

”Humanity,” they say as they pass by in their golden vehicles and titanium
devices. They speak of fondness. They dislike fondness.
Their definition of weakness.
Rise.

A higher conscious is upon us. Rise. An evolution in revolution is on the way. The
mind is our most powerful weapon. With action of course.
Did I say, ”Take action”?

Art is our salvation. It’s our vehicle. Emotive, thought provoking.
Enduring messages.

Reflections in a golden eye of the world at large and the one to come.

Mikel Elam

LYNDA GRACE From seed to just reaching for the sun. Boundless.
Gifted. Never an exception in the Spirit's eyes.
Always in your's. Their plans: escape your noose. 

Aspirations of the Lost, the Longing, and the Ignored #28
Hand-painted cotton, hemp. 2015

He sweeps
in the shadows
on a million $ block
in the center of the city.
His voice timid.
A king in another time.

Today, here,
He recalls the chains.

He in his own.
Once holding a scepter
today, he holds a broom.
what was once his promise

now, stolen
rich land his people worked

another's dreams realized
His, he sweeps up. 

Lynda Grace
Title: Aspirations of the Lost, the Longing and the Ignored #15

Materials: hemp, cowrie shell

Lynda Grace
Title: Aspirations of the Lost, the Longing, and the Ignored

Hemp. 2015

He sat slumped against the neglected gray wall on an overcast day.
A Sunday afternoon.

Next to him, one pair of red high tops and five CDs
The possessions he was selling and the wall

Maybe they were the only things he could depend on at that moment
"Nikes/CDs"

For sale. For hope. Maybe for love.

Lynda Grace
Title: Aspirations of the Lost, the Longing and the Ignored #29

Materials: hemp, rayon, cotton, silk

Lynda Grace
Title: Aspirations of the Lost, the Longing and the Ignored

Lynda Grace
Title: Slayed
Honoring the lives of the nine parishioners murdered in Charleston, SC.
Each of the nine seeds in this piece represent the promise of the nine
lives. A lynch knot adjoins the seed to the vessel.
Seed, wood, hemp. 2016

WANDA PAYNE

Wanda Payne

Wanda Payne

Wanda Payne

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with
photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be

content with silence.”
― Ansel Adams_

ORIEN

WEATHERSBY

Title: Broad and Ridge

Orien Weathersby
Title: Christian Street

Orien Weathersby
Title: The Look Out

Orien Weathersby
Title: Looking North

Orien Weatherby
Title: The Market

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou

WHY THE RABBIT IS ALERT

by
Ardie Stuart Brown

Long Ago Sangura* had a long, gorgeous tail and four long, graceful legs. But he
couldn't decide where he wanted to live. He looked at the water and thought that
might be nice. So he jumped in, but his legs got tired from trying to keep afloat.
"No, no, too much!"

Then he looked at the earth. He dug a shallow hole and rested. Soon ants,
gophers, and even a mole disturbed him, saying, "Dig a deeper hole, the earth
must breathe."

"Too much work," said Sangura. So he looked up at the trees where the monkeys
lived, and he climbed up there. He had food, he could rest, and he could see all
around. Plus the monkeys did nothing to disturb him. So Sangura rested. Soon the
wind began to blow, and the monkey warned him that he should move to a stronger
limb. But Sangura said, "Maybe tomorrow."

The monkeys warned him again as they climbed to stronger branches. "Move to a
stronger limb, Sangura!" But the rabbit relaxed. Then a strong, howling wind broke
the branch he was resting on, and Sangura fell to the ground. His lovely tail broke
off, and his two hind legs were broken. Once more the monkeys warned him:"Go
see the healer so she could set your legs properly."

But Sangura said, "Maybe tomorrow I will see the healer. Not today."
He sat and relaxed. His hind legs healed just as they had broken. And ever since
that time, all rabbits are born with crooked hind legs.
But Sangura learned a lesson. Now rabbits are alert and quick. They hop very fast.
They never wait. And you too can learn from the rabbit's mistake. If you have
something to do, do it now!

*Swahili word for rabbit

Green-Light
this work!

Inside the "Green-light this Work" section of
The PAUL Review includes original web series and
television show development, excerpts from novels,

partial pilot scripts and screenplays.
Writers offer readers a glimpse into works in

development.

Find something interesting here?
Industry representatives and producers are
encouraged to contact authors for further information
or collaborative ideas about works in progress.

Novel and Screenplay Green-light
this work
The Last Bodega

Synopsis
by Sheena Garcia

Novel and Screenplay The Last Bodega
by Sheena Garcia
A Synopsis

Mr. Adolfo Pilar, a Dominican Bodega owner and his wife get caught up in the
puzzling and dramatic lives of the three families living in the apartments above their
grocery store.

The threat of gentrification looms over this predominantly African American and
Latino neighborhood. Mr. Pilar along with his longtime tenants: George, a Cuban
cross-dressing uncle, raising his late sister’s children and Jeremy a young Irish
American, self-appointed Mormon missionary who falls in love with Kayla a beautiful,
African American single mother of three, all deal with the displacement of home and
identity.

Contact: Sheena Garcia
at: [email protected]

KENNY

WHITE

Title: Girard Ave El Platform

Kenny White
Title: DEW

Kenny White
Title: Black Lives Matter

Kenny White
Title: Man on Frankford Avenue

KALA Title: Nakesha
HAGOPIAN-WILLIAMS Oil On Canvas 10″x10"

Kala Hagopian-Williams

In
Reflection

Portrait Series
Cultural Anthropology:

My goal is to paint a series based on the juxtaposition of portraits with
intricately painted naturalistic patterns. This series celebrates the complexity
of being human and its many facets of beauty.

As a young child, I used to sit for hours, pouring through National Geographic
and Phaidon books. I was fascinated with the many faces that I saw, each
one so clearly a reflection of its cultural experience. I am still captivated by
faces today. As I move through my daily routine, I catch myself just staring at
people, taking them in, unconsciously reading who they are by how they
move, with their subtle looks and reactions. When I paint a portrait, I am
stilling this experience, studying and reflecting in the formation of color and
brush strokes— The subtle tonal shift and details, the highlights in the eyes…
I am endlessly fascinated by both the simplicity and complexity of people and
their place within the ecosystem around them.

We catch eyes and a lifetime of
experiences that led up to this

moment flash before me.
 Memories from larvae to pupae

to butterfly.  
Child of the universe, star bright

-the galaxy at your fingertips.
Plummeting spirals of disconnect

and a sideways glance.
Those years, they formed you

like the rocks carved out by
ocean waves.

Of bare feet, toes in the grass, the
sun on your shoulders and a
warm breeze on your back.

A flash of dreams - moments -
lives touched, lost,
and pushed away.

A spec within this multiverse
lingers still in the air.  

We catch eyes and spirits mingle
for just a moment. 

by

Kala Hagopian-Williams

Kala Hagopian-Williams
Title: Katie
Oil On Canvas 10″x10"

Kala Hagopian-Williams
Title: Melaney
10"×10" Oil On Canvas

Kala Hagopian-Williams
Title: Bri
Oil on Canvas 10″x10″



Welcome to the Philadelphia Art & Urban Literary Review an Arts and
literary magazine founded and curated by artist Sheena Garcia. PAUL
Review was created out of Ms. Garcia's strong commitment to support
artists demonstrating powerful messages throughout their works. PAUL
explores and promotes both established and up-and-coming visual artists
and writers. The Philadelphia Art & Urban Literary Review brings creative
voices to diverse new audiences.

Ms. Ardie Brown grew up in the West Philadelphia area of the City and has
performed throughout the United States and Canada as one-half of the
performance duo, The Stuart Sisters. Her performances with her sister,
Patricia Stuart Robinson consists of stories related to African American
Heritage and the Civil Rights Movement.

Ms. Brown is the founder of the Spring School of the Arts, educating children
eighteen months to age twelve about the history of both the Visual Arts and
the Theatre Arts. As an accomplished playwright for children's theatre ,
Ms. Ardie Stuart Brown joins Paul Review as a consultant for up-and-coming
authors and performers.

I was born in North Philadelphia and raised in the Hunting Park section of the city.
At the age of three, I started to doodle on the paper that my mother brought home
from work. That was just the beginning. Drawing soon became my passion; I would
scribble on any spare scrape of paper that I could get my little hands on, recording
everything I saw and the people who I came in contact with.

I went on to graduate from Community College of Philadelphia and then transferred
to Moore College of Art and Design where I received my BFA in 2D Fine Arts. In
2010, I graduated with my Masters in Fine Arts in Painting.

Priscilla Anacakuyani Bell Throughout the years, I looked towards my family, surroundings, and cultural
heritage for guidance and inspiration. I continue to explore the issues that mean
the most to me, including: Parenthood, Indigenous Rights, Urban Decay, and what
it means to be a Woman Artist.

I seek to share my art with others in hopes of sparking thoughtful conversation with
the viewer. It is my hope to help shed light on some of the often-challenging topics
that I address in my work. http://www.pbutterpaint.com/

Mikel Elam After numerous programs of learning starting in Philadelphia, leading me to institutions
such as the Philadelphia College of Art and continuing on to the School of the Visual
Arts in New York, my painting-style evolved. Through a once in a lifetime meeting with
jazz history’s legend, Miles Davis by way of a fashion model friend, Lydia Tracy, I began
a more international existence. I traveled the world with Miles Davis as an assistant first
to his musical obligations and second as a studio assistant to his budding painting
career. Furthermore, I became his co-collaborator in art from paintings to set design
and fashion gear. I remained with him until his passing in 1991.

My career took off as a painter for a brief period of time. I was represented by a
prestigious Soho art gallery called Nerlino and a West Coast Art gallery called Gallery 5.
I participated in the 2003 Biennale Internazionale Dell”Arte Contemporarea.
(Florence,Italy) From there, my work took me in the direction of printed matter.
My paintings were used for both local and national editorial publications which included:
Vibe Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, Sony Music, Inquirer, City Paper and Studio
Visits. I have shown locally in both solo and group exhibitions. Some of my favorites
have been The Painted Bride, Da Vinci Art Alliance, Tribal Home Gallery and the
Woodmere Museum of Art where I won The Maurice Freed Memorial Award for Best
Mixed Medium Painting in 2012 .

I have often been asked in the slow periods of my career whether I will continue to
make art? The answer is absolutely, yes. Art chose me at an early age. Through lots of
mentorship, support and love, I have been able to work throughout my adult life in
creative spaces. Life is a balancing act and yet somehow it has always led me back to
myself and the belief that finding self is the truth where the path to spirit is ultimately
bliss.
www.mikelelam.com, [email protected], 267-257-3430

Lynda Grace Lynda Grace works in fiber and mixed media to express human interconnection and
interdependence. Currently creating a series of crocheted vessels entitled
Aspirations of the Lost, the Longing, and the Ignored, Lynda Grace wishes to make
the invisible visible and proclaim the relevance of people often regarded unworthy
or insignificant. The vessels are a medium for deep hopes and declarations. She
has made over 60 vessels. Several were hung in trees in public parks to represent
lynching.

"My stitches are not perfect. I realize it is my way of ease and play in an an
aggressive world. To go outside of the lines and be who I want to be. My daring and
resistance. My acknowledgment of our search/cry/need for urgent freedom."

Born and raised in Philadelphia, as a child, Lynda Grace learned to knit and crochet
while watching her grandmother, aunts and neighbors. Today, the craft is her voice.
Lynda Grace’s work has shown in numerous Philadelphia area venues, including
Seed on Diamond Gallery, The Colored Girls Museum and the Barnes Foundation.
https://instagram.com/lyndagraceart/

Wanda Payne I seek to reveal my authentic self through my artwork.
I strive for truth, passion, spontaneity and freedom within my art work. I've
learned to trust in my ability as an artist. I was born and raised in West
Philadelphia, during the self-aware and empowering 60s & 70s.
West Philadelphia is where my life took shape.

At present, I’ve reached a cross-road with my art. Now, it's time to give it all
that I've got. I am inspired by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo.
I’ve got a series of work that makes me feel alive. I am truly connected to
this present, existing body of work. I intend to develop what I call my,
“No-Payne” series.

This current body of work develops lines which some may call "Scribble".
Much of this work has been tucked away in the corners of my studio to make
room for my more traditional pieces. I have developed this series to break-
free and call this my “No-Payne” (pain) series. My desire was simply, to
allow my pen to flow on the paper. It is a hypnotic and a healing experience
for me, one in which I feel unrestricted.

Orien Weathersby is a photographer and poet who has lived in Philadelphia for
the past 17 years. Currently, she resides in the West Philadelphia section of the
city. Despite having a severe visual impairment, her existing vision is able to
capture a wide array of images that reflect the pulse of Philadelphia. Her
photography explores the historical architecture found throughout the city,
to the diverse street scenes found on each and every corner.

Orien began to photograph the city back in 2010, through the lens of her
iPhone. Her first gallery show took place in August of 2014 at Space 2033,
located in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, as part of their First Friday
series. Her second exhibition was at The Spring Garden Senior Center, as part
of their First Friday Social, which was held in June of 2015. In October of 2015,
Orien’s first solo show took place at, “Sankhya Yoga Studio,” in the Northern
Liberties area of Philadelphia.

Orien enjoys photography as a way to express herself and release stress, while
creating her beautiful images. Art has always been important to Orien and art
will continue to be a part of her life, as she continues to capture images all
around the City of Brotherly Love/Sisterly Affection and beyond.
All Inquiries should be directed to: [email protected]

I am a self-taught photographer who resides here in Philadelphia, PA.
For most of my teenage years, I have had an interest in making images by
photographing the people and things that were part of my immediate and
sometimes not so immediate surroundings. As I got older, I have found
myself more intrigued with the photographic process.

My influence? I can say this consciously ... I am not absolutely sure of my
influences, but on a subconscious level, I have been drawn to the
photographic works of Mary Ellen Marks, Gordon Parks and James
VanDerZee. I also like the work of my most recent find, Saul Leiter.

For the most part, I have been a student of the masters while I have been
developing my own eye for the image. I find that the education never
ends; it's an ongoing process.

Kala Hagopian is a fine artist and muralist based in Philadelphia PA. Her
work explores figures and animals in intricately patterned landscapes.
Sometimes the landscape itself is the subject of the painting. In part, her
work draws inspiration from the beauty and complexity of nature. Her
paintings invite the viewer to step into a world that is familiar yet dream-
like. Her subjects often come from personal connections and life
experiences.

Kala attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and currently shows
her work regularly in Philadelphia. Kala is a former founding member of
the female art Collective, Chroma Dolls LLC and the current founder of
Hagopian Arts. Hagopian Arts is a family mural and fine art collaboration
based out of both Philadelphia and Vermont.

To view more of her work visit www.kalahagopian.com
Check out the murals at www.hagopianarts.com
You can also follow her on instagram: @hagopianarts
& Facebook: www.facebook.com/hagopianarts

If you are interested in connecting with artists or writers
appearing in this month's PAUL Review about the sale of
artwork, commissions, exhibitions, literary works or potential
residencies, please contact that particular artist, using the

contact information provided.