Multimedia artist Ronan McKenzie recently worked on the Be Good Now project that is done for Acne Studios to present its new collection of denim for the Fall/Winter 2022 season. The ongoing series highlights her Bajan roots as the main inspiration visually. The images and film are taken by Mckenzie herself and capture her relationship with her own heritage and identity.
Talking about the project, she states that "This whole project is about my relationship to Barbados, creating space to explore and tell my own story and that of my family. It’s difficult to put words to how it feels to have complete trust and freedom and support in creating works that are so personal and important to me; whether that be being able to bring in loved ones through casting in our first project for Acne Studios scarves, or bringing it much closer to home through this recent collaboration. It’s the first time that I’ve been given the opportunity to truly take ownership over a project and bring it to life in [a] completely non-compromising way."
Bajan-Inspired Multimedia Projects
Ronan Mckenzie Captures 'Be Good Now' for Acne Studios
Trend Themes
1. Bajan-inspired Multimedia - Multimedia artists are bringing their Bajan heritage to their work, creating unique and personal pieces that celebrate their roots and inspire others to do the same.
2. Personal Storytelling - The Be Good Now project emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling, and encourages other creatives to explore their own stories and share them with the world in a meaningful way.
3. Cultural Identity - The Be Good Now project highlights the importance of cultural identity and representation, and sparks conversation around the need for more diverse and inclusive art and media in the industry.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion brands can embrace their roots and collaborate with multicultural creatives to create unique and authentic collections that celebrate diversity and inspire their customers.
2. Media - Media companies can invest in diverse voices and support initiatives that showcase the importance of cultural identity, creating a more inclusive and representative industry overall.
3. Art - Arts and culture organizations can prioritize the work of artists who explore their personal stories and cultural heritage, creating a vibrant and diverse artistic landscape that reflects the experiences of many communities.