What does it mean to be a best friend? To have someone built-in to traverse life with, someone who just gets you. A person with whom you can be vulnerable, and that vulnerability leads to growth and trust. Artists London Williams and Izsys Archer explore the intricacies and timeline of their friendship through their recent collaboration and one-night-only showcase at 1Hood Media.
In the exhibition “Matchin’ Tattoos,” a multimedia film installation and performance, the Artivist Academy members took viewers on an emotional journey, capturing the raw and honest essence of connection and identity. “Activism plays a part in all of our work and we are living proof,” Williams said. 1Hood’s Artivist Academy is an initiative that focuses on social justice, art and activism.
It provides platforms for underrepresented artists. Through the Artivist Academy showcase, each artist receives a $5,000 honorarium in recognition of their work, along with an additional $1,000 for their showcase. Archer focuses on activism at a personal level.
“It’s about how to advocate for yourself and others who look like you and may have experienced things similar to you,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of experiences with Izsys where I’ve been able to stamp my friendship and love for her through exhibitions. This is just another way to show everyone how much we love each other and where that comes from.
I’m grateful,” Williams, 25, said. For Archer, the feeling is mutual. The two have g.