20 - Tony Concep, Street culture, global marketing, and reconnecting with the African diaspora.

In this episode, Tony Concep shares his journey as an artist rooted in street culture, his career in marketing, and his dedication to reconnecting African art with the African diaspora. We explore the power of community, the influence of technology like AI in creative work, and the importance of cultural reclamation. Key Topics:Tony's unique artistic style inspired by New Orleans, hip hop, and African diaspora influencesBalancing a career in global marketing with maintaining a passion for fine artThe role of transparency in working a day job to fund artistic pursuitsHow AI tools like Runway are transforming design and creative processesThe community-building aspect of mural art and live public worksExploring the impact of cultural erasure and the importance of African art in marginalized communitiesThe significance of collecting, preserving, and reintroducing African masks and artifactsThe documentary "Unmasked" and its focus on cultural identity, art history, and systemic suppressionThe influence of family, especially children, in inspiring ongoing social advocacyStrategies for engaging youth with arts and culture to foster connection and identityThe future of the film, upcoming screenings, and how to support the project Resources & Links:Unmasked Film WebsiteTony Concep on InstagramBlackbirds Studios LASmithsonian African Art CollectionConnect with Tony Concep:InstagramBlackbirds Studios LAYou can support the "Unmasked" documentary and stay updated on screenings and events through their official site and social media channels. Stay engaged, and help amplify the message of cultural preservation, community empowerment, and artistic expression