As a creative I LOVE discovering visuals that resonate with me. Whatever form or medium, when I find something aesthetically pleasing I take note of who or where it came from. Its so much better knowing where something has come from and much more wholesome than going down the rabbit hole of Pinterest where things aren't always credited to the creator and you have no context.
I think it's really special coming across other creators whose work resonates with me and my own personal style, so I decided to make a short little list of some of my favourite visuals I discovered in 2020 and hopefully you discover something that inspires you too.
1. SAVAGE X FENTY vol.2
What an epic visual event. There isn't a frame that isn't gushing with absolute beauty in all forms. Shoutout to the bestie for referring me onto this, breathtaking.
You can watch it on Amazon Prime, (free trial available).
Image Source: Dennis Leupold for Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video
Image Source: Dennis Leupold for Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video
Image Source: Dennis Leupold for Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video
2. Mac Miller - Good News music video
Directed by Anthony Gaddis & Eric Tilford Produced by language. As moving as this song was coming out after the passing of Mac Miller, the visuals of this were equally as touching. A dreamy portrayal of a happier world we all crave.
3. VONLINE
My favourite photographer Ellen Von Unwerth. This year she launched a mini online series of some of her shoots as an extension form her magazine Von. I love that she's worked with some of the biggest icons of the fashion and entertainment world and is still working with the new cats on the scene. Check out the whole Jazzelle Dazzelle shoot, and have a geeze at the other shoots she did vonline here.
Image Source: Ellen Von Unwerth for Vonline
Image Source: Ellen Von Unwerth for Vonline
4. Nadia Lee Cohen - PLAYBOY fragrance
My Queen. There is so much visual goodness this woman is responsible for in 2020, but this one is the latest fave of mine from her commercial projects in 2020.
5. Franz Szony - Gigi Goode
Another fantastic photographer and artist I've discovered in 2020. I love Gigi Goode and this is my all time favourite shot of her, captured by the amazing Franz Szony. I fell in love with Franz's work after this, theres a certain magic in everything he does. I now have a large print of his hanging in my stairwell of the burlesque icon Dita Von Teese. Absolutely stunning.
Image Source: Franz Szony
6. Shea Couleé - "Love The Skin You're In"
Absolute beauty inside and out, winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race All Stars 5 Shea Couleé, presented this stunning concept on the runway for the category, "Love the skin you're in".
A personal recreation of Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus'. So powerful and so well done, iconic.
Image Source: Shea Couleé
7. Dr. Manrutt Wongkaew
I was introduced to this UK based creative powerhouse through a friend who knew I'd appreciate his work. A Doctor of fashion and dance, creative director, stylist and visual artist.
Feast your eyes on this. I hope to collaborate with this colourful being one day.
Image Source: Dr. Manrutt Wongkaew
Image Source: Dr. Manrutt Wongkaew
8. Violet Chachki's Digital Follies
Another amazing digital performance born out of lock down, I was so impressed how entertainers and performers quickly adapted with the lockdown. If you like vintage fashion or just great drag, you'll love this. Violet Chachki is such a captivating performer and a straight up diva. Super erotic, playful and just a damn good performance, I watched this 3 times in a week, loooooved it. You can stream it online here.
9. Women, by Nadia Lee Cohen
Yep, she makes the list twice, like I said she's my queen.
Also this book is her truest art form, and what her commercial works funded.
As an artist I have so much respect for her being so open about this, I personally still see her commercial works as very her and as an art form, but I guess when you're working for clients its always a compromise in one way or another. 6 years in the making she released her book, 'Women' just in time to make my 2020 list. 100 unique portraits of women performing their own take of naked. I bought this book as a little Birthday present for myself.
Image Source: Photography by Nadia Lee Cohen. Courtesy of IDEA
Image Source: Photography by Nadia Lee Cohen. Courtesy of IDEA
Image Source: Photography by Nadia Lee Cohen. Courtesy of IDEA
Image Source: Photography by Nadia Lee Cohen. Courtesy of IDEA