Alicia Keys brightened our night by rocking a bright orange blazer, posing alongside hubby Swizz Beatz, attending the 2018 Amref ArtBall at A/D/O on Saturday, April 28th, in Brooklyn, New York.
Swizz Beatz, the 39 year old recording artist, founder of No Commission welcomes Toyina Odutola to the Dean Collection. Swizz Beatz promotes advocacy for the artists themselves being the driving factor behind the very platform he's building and every risk-taking move he's making has shifted culture, creating space for artist to shine by creating a dialogue through art. He has built a community and movement all in one. His resilience to push boundaries, while putting his vision to life is truly inspiring. No Commission is a platform for the artist, with a mission and unwillingness to compromise when it comes to making sure artists receive 100% of sales for their work.
Alicia Keys, the 37- year-old singer and The Voice coach and Swizz Beatz, the 39 year old hip hop recording artist, and visionary, presented the Rees Visionary Award to Toyin Ojih Odutola, a visual artist from Nigeria. Amref Art Ball is a premier contemporary African art auction and philanthropic event with a purpose to raise awareness and funds for Amref Health Africa.
Toyin Ojih Odutola was honored for amplifying African Culture and transcultural perspectives. Toyin creates intimate drawings that explore the complexity and malleability of identity. Depicted in her distinctive style of intricate mark-making, her sumptuous compositions reimagine the genre and traditions of portraiture.
Both matching wearing bright colors, founder of Style & Resilience, Dena Mekawi met with Alicia Keys at the Amref Art Ball. Dena mentions Alicia Keys' energy being radiant. Her energy was felt the moment you entered the room with her, says Dena. Alicia Keys has been an inspiration to her, from identity issues, to self-esteem issues of being muslim, and curvy growing up. Dena recalls Alicia Keys' music healing, and guiding her. We are inspired by these creative icons!