Have you met these Cultural Icons?

By -
There are people throughout time who have managed to eclipse the ordinary, inspiring hundreds, thousands sometimes even millions of devout disciples. He/She has often done this through shifting cultural paradigms, and creatively changing the way we imagine the world. I asked Summathi, Elvis & Honore to name the Cultural Icon who most inspires......


Sumathi Shanmugam, India

Swami Vivekenanda

He is considered a key figure in the introduction of Hindu philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the "Western" World, mainly in America and Europe and is also credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the end of the 19th century C.E. Vivekananda is considered to be a major force in the revival of Hinduism in modern India. He is perhaps best known for his inspiring speech beginning with "Sisters and Brothers of America", through which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions at Chicago in 1893.


Elvis Alves, Poet, Guyana/United States

Bob Marley
Painting by Basil Clayton 


My cultural icon is bob marley because he was a very talented musician and humanitarian. Bob Marley was able to put into words the plight of the oppressed and in so doing gave voice to many people not only in his homeland of Jamaica but also in Africa, the rest of the Caribbean, and worldwide.


Honore Van Ommeren, Dance Instructor & Choreographer, Suriname

Jiri Kylian

Jiri Kylian is the former Artistic Director of the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) 1975-1999. His thought process is a puzzle and his versatility inspiring. Everyone should get to know his work.


I can tell you that i'm learning more and more from this process. I am definitely have some homework to do.....

If you want to share your Cultural Icon with us feel free to add to the discussion....

Comments

  1. spiff11 November 2011 at 08:42

    Marcus Garvey is a post slavery voice that resonates with me. He shrugged off I cant for I can. He challenged the status quo and made a difference. He is the original I Can man.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Winsome11 November 2011 at 08:50

    In recent times Rex Nettleford stands out. He used education and the educational system
    to bring acceptance and cultural change. Many now accept Kumina, Dinky Minny, and bruckings as legitimate dance movements. He stepped us into a future, by his perseverance, his passion and his academic achievements.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

your cultural voice.....

Popular posts from this blog

The Pins and Tucks of Wrapping A Saree - A Jamaican's Cultural Lesson in India

By -
Image
Contributor: Diedre McLeod www.diedrevialife.com Globetrotter at heart, I amplify my Cultural Voice through travelling and indulging in customs very different from my own. One of my most awe-inspiring experiences was celebrating Diwali 2011 in Mangalore, India. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” everyone lights up the skyline with fireworks and firecrackers – excited that darkness was overcome and celebrating the dawning of light. No house or village is spared the festivities. But what was most exciting for me was seeing all the beautiful Sarees on parade and ultimately wearing my very own. The traditional Indian dress for females, the Saree, reveals as much as it conceals. It is also as complex as it is simple – especially when wrapping it! This delicate, free form dress requires a bit of practice (and a whole lot of pins) to get the ‘perfect wrap’. It took about 20 minutes to wrap (this was partly because I brought the wrong pins). The style my Saree w
Read more

Think you know everything about the 'Emprezz'?

By -
Image
  Emprezz describes herself as a passionate, benevolent entrepreneur and media personality. She focuses on making ideas tangible realities. How many of us can say we've started and successfully run a resturant (alongside husband Steven) ; a Jamaican themed clothing and accessories store; manufactured and designed new card games; produced multiple shows including her newest 'Talk up Yout' which can be seen on TVJ every tuesday @6pm, and much more?   Emprezz gave us a peek into her life before returning to Jamaica. 'CHERRY' Emprezz spent most of her high school years in Australia and during that time she was a member of a pop singing group called 'Cherry' and used her middle name 'Camielle'. The Group was signed to Sony Records and Warner Music. It was during this time that Emprezz aka Camielle 'found herself' asking many self revealing questions in the multicultural environment such as "Who am I?" "Where d
Read more

Kai Watson has a penchant for the delicate, beautiful and expressive

By -
Image
"Vanda 1" 2012 Kai Watson Kai Watson refuses to accept the notion of the "Starving artist" as, for him, the term represents a romanticizing of the struggle of freelance and the entrepreneurial efforts of artists. He prefers to say that he is still laying the foundation for his career and life. Kai has a penchant for the delicate, beautiful, and expressive as exhibited in his latest predilections for topics relating to dance and orchids. He also appreciates what he describes as “the graceful power of athletes.”   "All is fair in the struggle" 2012 Kai Watson   When asked whether he would switch places with any of the subjects in his paintings, Kai told Cultural Voice that he was fond of “being in his own shoes,” and added that it was the uniqueness of the individual that was special in each work. "Unbridled Joy" 2008 Kai Watson   Kai shares a rich history of artistry in his family lineage. His grandfather Barrington,
Read more