Fire in Little Africa x Mowtown Records, 2021
In 2021, CreeseWorks, led by photographer and cinematographer Christopher Creese, collaborated with the "Fire in Little Africa" (FILA) project—a multimedia hip-hop initiative commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This partnership aimed to honor Tulsa's rich cultural heritage through a creative fusion of music and visual art.
Project Overview
"Fire in Little Africa" is a collective of Oklahoma-based artists dedicated to memorializing the resilience of Tulsa's Black community post-1921. The project encompasses music, art, and educational components to shed light on the historical and ongoing impact of the massacre. Fire in Little Africa
CreeseWorks' Contribution
CreeseWorks collaborated with FILA and Goldmill Co. to recreate iconic Motown album covers, infusing them with contemporary elements to bridge past and present. Styled by Atoria J. Styling, these recreations involved meticulous research into the original album covers, focusing on aspects such as lighting, color schemes, and clothing textures to ensure authenticity. Creese Works
Creative Process
The project involved:
Research: Analyzing original Motown album covers to understand their visual elements.
Styling: Collaborating with stylists to accurately recreate the fashion and aesthetics of the era.
Photography: Employing advanced techniques to capture images that honor the original artworks while adding a modern perspective.
Impact and Reception
This collaboration not only paid homage to Motown's legacy but also highlighted the enduring influence of Black artistry. By connecting historical and contemporary cultural expressions, the project fostered a deeper understanding of Tulsa's artistic heritage.
Conclusion
The partnership between CreeseWorks and "Fire in Little Africa" exemplifies how art can serve as a bridge between past and present, honoring history while inspiring future generations. Through this creative endeavor, both entities contributed to a meaningful commemoration of Tulsa's history and the resilience of its community.
For more information, visit Fire in Little Africa's official website.
