While patiently waiting in line to hear the amazing Carrie Mae Weems and Mickalene Thomas speak at the Brooklyn Museum on January 2nd, we ran into Essence photographer Hannan Saleh. She thought we looked rather fly, so she snapped a few photos of us and waddyaknow – we were featured in the Essence.com “Street Style: Gallery Girls” photo gallery last week!
We’re finna be famous, y’all! 
Photo Credit: Hannan Saleh
It was clear; I was not Manet’s Type.
Picasso-who had a way with women- only used me
& Duchamp never even considered me.
-Carrie Mae Weems, Not Manet’s Type| Photo Series
Skin like mine never did manage to make its way into the conventional art history courses or enable work to sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Well, there was that “African Phase,” Oh! and we all know that one piece Olympia where the Black maid happens to be painted in. And I’m pretty sure that the majority of African art stolen and exhibited in non African Museums are worth a pretty penny, but where does that profit go? Hm… I feel like I am walking a tight rope here. Contemplating the Black Female in Art only drives me to dead ends and leaves me wondering WHY? As a well-institutionalized fine artist I have been given the subtle and not so subtle message to be tight lipped on this matter and keep it moving. “It’s not attractive to keep talking about the race thing,” I’ve been told. I have never taken well to ill-advised direction, and this will be no exception. As it has been said that Aristotle wrote Nicomachean Ethics for his son Nicomachus, I write this piece for my unborn daughter, for if the apple does not fall too far from the roots, and in the event that she too happens to be born an Artist. I also write this for women like myself, who are driven to create work in a field, which we are invisible.
Black men are always asking for nice things, but then you don’t know how to act when you finally get them. Give a black man some high fashion and he wears a bedazzled mask on stage then announces that his current girlfriend is now his “baby mama.” That’s that shit, bruh. That’s that shit.
Not only do guys play that mess when it comes to material things, but oftentimes you all become enemies of progress regarding dating curly haired women of color. Always asking and praying for a woman with curly hair minus the tracks, but when the universe grants you your wish of a natural haired beauty, y’all leave us no choice but to do a second big chop. This time around, though, you’re on the chopping block.
Because I want your cuffin’ season partnership to blossom into a happy, loving relationship, I’m going to throw you a bone and teach you how to keep your beautiful natural hair empress. Y’all taught me how to dougie, this is the least I could do.
Please, get your tablets ready and let me tell you how you’re fucking up.
As 2012 came to a close, many folks spent the final moments of the year reflecting and taking retrospective trips back into the year that was. Over here at Le Femme Flaneur, however, we opted not to look backwards and take inventory on the ups and downs of the past year because frankly, ain’t nobody got time for that. Instead, we decided to look ahead and ask ourselves some pertinent questions as we embark on this new journey called “Twenty Thirteen.”
Since a new year does not guarantee progress or changes, what is one aspect of your life in which you reserve no expectations for the New Year?
E: Trick question for me, here. As I complete each calendar year, I feel like I always make changes, whether they are additions or subtractions, I’ve always experienced growth. No difference in 2013, bruh. I won’t accept complacency or stagnancy in the New Year. Word.
LB: Give someone an inch and they take a mile, give a man a Twerk and he wants sex, and if you give someone a friendship many will take advantage. I have learned not to expect much from friendships and relationships without marginalizing my standards. One has to accept people for who they are and either keep ‘em, leave ‘em, or adjust her/his behavior to avoid disappointment. But there are always those friends, like E for instance, who give me faith in fulfilling friendships!
What is one interest in which you hope to indulge?
E: Simple – travel. I want to get my passport stamp game up so that I will learn, experience other communities and cultures, and kick it with my “partna dem” abroad.
LB: I have a dream, of booty shorts and bikes on a glorious summer day “ridin’ ’round and gettin it” through Brooklyn. Due to a previous car accident and general craziness of the city, I’ve been too fearful of being about that life. But, now that I’m over it and have dabbled with a ride to and fro, watch out now! Added bonuses: I will make it to the front row of cycling class, “the rent is too damn high” so I’ll cut back on the monthly metro, and I might be the one to invent a helmet that does not disturb the afro!
How do you plan to love yourself stronger?
E: Respecting my temple (aka body) by putting things in and on it that will nourish and protect it, engage in activities that will create happiness, and practice self-discipline so that I may see my ambitions to fruition.
LB: If there’s one thing that I got right in this lifetime it’s loving myself unconditionally. Check! But there’s always room for improvement, right? We love ourselves by maintaining our bodies, our psyches, and our hearts. When the going gets busy I hope to Love myself better by working out consistently. Exercise is the fountain of youth!
What memory do you want to make in the new year?
E: I would like to make the transition from employee to entrepreneur this year. That would be one of my biggest dreams come true. Also, I want a ring on it. My mom keeps asking me for grandkids. Let’s make her happy, bruh.
LB: Life is comprised of many moments, some we work up to and others noooot so much. One moment I’m looking forward to working towards and contributing to the ol’ memory bank of highlights is a solo exhibition in NYC. Whether it actually occurs or I just land a booking (’cause y’all know galleries book way in advance), I’ll be quite content.
Who do you want to know your name by the end of 2013?
E: Beyonce, dream hampton, Amber Rose, Iyanya, Idris Elba, 2Chainz, Barack Obama, and your neighbors.
LB: My sister always says that if I want to make God laugh, I should tell her my plans. Although it is quite ridiculous to micro plan life, I always hoped that by this time in my path (give or take a year) that I would have met my match. Soulman where art thou? I hope that we cross paths soon and that you can pronounce my name!
Last night, Le Femme Flaneur went to the much talked about NYC dance party event “Grits & Biscuits” in Manhattan.
We went because:
#1 – We never turn down an opportunity to twerk.
#2 – Beyonce was at the last one and we thought maybe she loved it so much she’d come again.
#3 – We like to do hoodrat things with our friends.
# 4 – We are about that ratchet life…
… and in that order!
Watch the video to see some brief clips of just a fraction of what went down!
