Ajani Charles is a published photographer, journalist, filmmaker and educator based in Toronto, Canada. Ajani has shot many known hip hop figures including, Drake, Big Sean, Snoop Doog, and Rakim just to name a few. Ajani has also worked with companies such as, H&M, Universal Music Group, and HipHopCanada.

Lola Luv

Diddy

Big Sean Performing

A$AP

Canadian Artist Shane Turner paints the portraits of six beauty bloggers, using new Teint Idole Ultra 24h foundation instead of paint. How sick is that…the dude is painting with shades of makeup.

Australian artist Rone stopped by Paris for a couple of days to grace the walls of Bois de Vincennes Park with this beautiful mural.

The works of Ny based graffiti artist Maria “TooFly” Castillo

“Stand for something” is the theme for the launch of the site’s apparel. I knew wanted something with a profound meaning but also shared a personal connection with me and others. In my opinion, in order to be an agent of change, you must see what isn’t seen and work diligently to create that reality for the masses. Although, it might be a fantasy to others, it has to be real to you. It is important for one to stand for what they believe in and most importantly defend it until that vision comes to pass, further proving doubters wrong. Howard Schultz once said:

“I believe life is a series of near misses. A lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. It’s seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future. It’s seeing what other people don’t see And pursuing that vision.”

A vision doesn’t always come to pass overnight, sometimes years, even a lifetime. Some people don’t get to live to see the day their dreams become a reality, but they believed and carried that to their graves. This comes at a moment in my life where I see a vision, some of you are beginning to see it, some don’t, and some haven’t seen it yet. However, I know in my heart and mind that it will eventually come to pass. But if I fail in my attempt, at least I know I tried and learned. I see a void and determined to fill it. One shouldn’t be afraid of failure, it is the greatest learning experience in my opinion. Keep in mind, you can’t change the game if you are viewing it through the lens of someone else. Your world, your reality will always be different from others, therefore, you must live for it and most importantly stand for it.

I chose Tupac, not because of popularity but as a metaphor for what he represented. I wrapped the bandanna around his face so the viewer can focus on the theme and it’s symbolism. Tupac represented strength, relentlessness, one who possessed a trail blazer mentality with the ambition to change even if it meant a ticket to an early grave. I don’t want you to focus on the celebrity but I want you to focus on the philosophy and relate that to your own life and personal understandings. It was a memorable experience conceptualizing this idea and bringing it to life, I hope you will enjoy wearing it and what it represents.

Preorder Tees Here

Preorder Tees Here

Calligraphy Work

Insa

Every Monday we present daily inspirations put together by the authors and contributors of VPMAG which include remarkable artwork from various creatives around the world. Illustration inspiration comprises of a mixture of graffiti, wall art, classical art, mixed media, sketching, and so forth. To view source of artwork please click on art which will redirected to the link source.

Jaybo

Usugrow

Patrick Martinez focuses on the phenomenology of his surroundings. He brings sublime beauty to things that aren’t thought of as conventionally beautiful. He uses subject matter such as everyday people that aren’t usually painted into the limelight and elements of the city that would be thought of as objects we take for granted. He uses these objects as communicative mediums. Patrick works with intellect and intuition in creating pieces of art that reflect and document situations that are ever present around him. Vitality, impact and rhythm are the essence and energy in his artwork.

Source: Known

UK artist and designer INSA took to downtown Los Angeles in a spray painting frenzy this month, giving the Artshare building in the heart of the Arts District a much needed facelift. In a collaborative effort with LA Freewalls and Daniel Lahoda of Jet Set Graffiti, who supplied the material and equipment, the idealistic INSA had to raise his own fare for the flight and logistics by selling a dozen paper paintings online. This completed mural pays ode to the free enjoyment of public art, and commemorates the twelve buyers who have made it possible by having their names painted on the final LA wall.

Digging the internet crates for some vintage ideas for a photo-shoot I want to put together and came across these vintage Madonna photos by Francesco Scavullo Circa. 1984.

White Walls is pleased to present Can’t Afford to be Broke, a solo exhibition from Word To Mother, featuring new works on wood along with a small run of exclusive ‘zines with hand-pulled screen printed cover. The opening reception will be Saturday, May 12th, from 7-11 pm, and the exhibition is free and open to the public for viewing through June 2nd, 2012.

Can’t Afford to be Broke by Word To Mother
Opening Reception – May 12th, 2012, 7-11 pm
On View Through June 2nd, 2012
@ White Walls (www.whitewallssf.com)
835 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA