4 minute read
The Art Issue 2024 Edition 25 - Special
Founder's Insights
Hello TrooRa Readers,
Art has always been a reflection of our collective spirit— both a mirror of the times and a guidepost for what lies ahead. In this post-election season, as the fragility of democracy underscores its vital role in our society, the arts stand as a powerful force—healing wounds, igniting inspiration, and uniting us in shared purpose.
Toni Morrison once said, “This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That’s how civilizations heal.” These words resonate profoundly as we navigate a world that demands both resilience and creativity.
In this Art Issue, we celebrate the artists, creators, and innovators who are shaping the future through their work. Their creations remind us of the transformative power of art—not just as an aesthetic pursuit but as a vehicle for storytelling, connection, and societal change.
Among these visionaries is Luna Moreno, founder of Luna Design Studios, who bridges heritage and innovation by blending the floral traditions of her upbringing with cutting-edge event design. Her work speaks to the power of embracing one’s roots while boldly forging new paths. Similarly, Jess Marra, known as the "Kitschenista," transforms fresh produce into edible masterpieces, proving that the intersection of food and art is a place where magic happens.
Simone and Marcel, the couple behind a serene workshop in Spain, craft timeless lighting fixtures that illuminate the beauty of collaboration and craftsmanship. In Mallorca, Casa Serena embodies simplicity and serenity, reminding us that sometimes less truly is more. In Johannesburg, Lezanne Viviers redefines modern living with House Viviers, harmonizing architectural heritage with contemporary creativity.
This issue also highlights the indelible contributions of immigrants to the arts and to America’s promise. Artists like Reyna Noriega, whose vibrant canvases blend Caribbean heritage with universal themes of love and beauty, and Zarahana Kargbo, whose work fuses Sierra Leonean landscapes with Louisiana’s rich history, remind us that the immigrant story is America’s story. Their art, and the stories of so many creatives featured here, ensure that America continues to live up to its ideals of diversity, opportunity, and innovation.
In San Francisco, Melonie and Melorra Green use their leadership at the African American Art & Culture Complex to strengthen the Bay Area community and celebrate the rich contributions of Black artists. Cheryl Fox TrooRa Contributing Photographer captures the soul of her subjects with her deeply evocative photography, blending fine art and storytelling to inspire reflection and dialogue.
The promise of art and democracy is also reflected in cutting-edge innovation. William Close’s Earth Harp stretches the boundaries of sound and space, offering immersive musical experiences, while Swiss entrepreneurs harness AI to protect artistic authenticity in an age of counterfeits. Ignacio "Nacho" Lopez uses augmented reality to elevate street art to new dimensions, creating digital landscapes that expand our understanding of creativity and place.
This winter, TrooRa Magazine proudly crowns Angela Watson, recipient of the Trio Covers, as The Art Issue Cover Feature —a celebration of our TrooRa Signature three-cover tradition. A direct descendant of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and racially identified as African Native American, Watson redefines ballet for a new generation. As a corps de ballet member with the San Francisco Ballet, she seamlessly blends diversity with tradition, inspiring young Black and brown dancers to envision themselves in spaces once closed to them.
At TrooRa, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of those who use their creativity to build a better world. Individuals from all walks of life— particularly Native Americans, immigrants, women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals—are not only driving the evolution of the arts but also safeguarding the promise of America, weaving diversity, resilience, and beauty into the fabric of our shared future. As we look ahead this holiday season, I invite you to immerse yourself in the stories within these pages. Let them inspire your own acts of creativity and courage. Whether through painting, writing, music, or simply reimagining the world with fresh eyes, now is the time to go to work—to speak, to write, to create.
Here’s to a season filled with light, love, and the enduring legacy of art. Et a plus!
TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM
Founder
Creative Director
Executive Editor In Chief
