001: Curated Chic
The weekly roundup of everything you should read, watch, listen, and visit.
As part of It Boy, something I would love to implement is a weekly, perhaps bi-weekly, roundup of a media curation of projects I have enjoyed. I hope that in this way, I will be able to inspire readers to support other artists as well!
You should read: Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Okay, I admit, I am well over three years late to the party, but I was only recently exposed to the words of Caleb Azumah Nelson. And what prose it is. Open Water is Nelson’s debut novel about two young Black artists falling in love in contemporary London’s bustling environment. It is a touching story that in its short 150 pages is able to address nuanced topics like trauma, racism, masculinity, and kinship. Its story is not to be bound by mere romance classification, it is so much more. That vulnerability, essential to love, is woven in each of the chapters, guided elegantly by subtle and graceful metaphors. An absolute delight to read.
You should listen: Bird’s Eye by Ravyn Lenae
“Don’t take a Genius to figure out,” but Ravyn Lenae’s sophomore’s album exudes everything brilliant. After her 2022 debut R&B record Hypnos was met with critical acclaim, my eyes had been set on her next move. Bird’s Eye is everything I could have wished for. It is melodic, indie, dreamy, and sets a new standard for the artist. Personally, I am a fan of R&B and here Lenae is able to blend it meticulously with psychedelic-esque production and lush vocals. My favourite songs are opening track Genius and feature assisted tracks One Wish (ft. Childish Gambino) and Dream Girl (ft. Ty Dolla $Ign).
You should watch: The Dragon Paradox by Curious Archive
YouTube has some hidden gems and YouTuber Curious Archive is one of them. He appeared on my discovery page and I had assumed the video would be about the draconic creatures that are mystified in history books and pop-culture. Something about my childhood obsession with How To Train Your Dragon compelled me to watch the 20 minute video, but I was met with a video that was as much about dragons, as it was about fixation, alienation, and the importance of keeping your fantasies alive.
You should visit: ‘Spuiten en Stikken’ exhibition at Centraal Museum in Utrecht
Every so often, I take myself out on a solo-date. Whether it be a trip to the cinema, having a picnic, or visiting a museum, I try to enjoy my time alone. Recently, the Centraal Museum (Central Museum) in Utrecht opened its doors to a new exhibition centered around graffiti and textile art. Both of these media have had a rough time in society, often neglected and forgotten in art discourse and discussions. It is refreshing to see them get the attention they so deserve, because trust me, the art is impressive.
