Photo Credit: Solange/Instagram
Solange Knowles is an immense talent by her own merit but she knows what it’s like being in the shadow of other artists. That’s why in 2013 she launched the Saint Heron label and website which highlights overlooked talent online. Today’s she’s expanded this into a full service creative agency that will have a series of gallery exhibitions, an artist-in-residence program, a permanent art collection, a non-profit library, and art films. And of course she’s still going to be making music.
In a press release, she stated “Worldmaking has been a huge part of my practice. The idea of leaving behind cities, meccas, and universes that were occupied and celebrated by bodies, voices, celebrations, and rituals to be discovered down the line. As we transition to an institution, the answer and the vision become abundantly clear. We are creating a legacy where we not only continue the work we have already built but preserve collections of creators with the urgency they deserve. Together we want to create an archive of stories, and works we deem valuable. We want to open up these works publicly and make them accessible to students, and our communities for research, engagement, and consumption, so that the works are integrated into our collective story and belong and grow with us. We are creating an embodiment of living testaments to the glory of expression, and how that recharges and reaffirms the reverence we hold for our own cultural and artistic worth. We look forward to furthering the pursuit of authenticity that empowers the stories of our people.”
In a world where becoming famous and viral online can be at the touch a button with Soulja Boy paving the way and Nicki Minaj coming after, not everyone has that ability to get their work seen. And being the younger sister to one of the world’s biggest music icons that had to find her own way, Solange is now giving back helping others do the same. This is definitely commendable and shows her selflessness.
For more about the Saint Heron creative agency, you can check it out here.
