K.I.D.D.O by Kiddo Marv, styled by Say Sukii
"Remember, every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there."
On November 17th Kiddo Marv releases his highly anticipated project titled "K.I.D.D.O. - Kingz In Denial Don't Overcome". I had the privilege of assisting in the creative direction of the images that would accompany the project.
Photographer, Esdras Thelusma aka Photo Tea has worked on a long list of projects that bring love, awareness and truly authentic captures of Miami, the city he calls home. If you know, you know! If not, do yourself a favor & check out his work. Thank me later.
Working on this project really hit home for me (literally), as both Kiddo & Esdras are pretty major "hometown heroes" in their respective fields. Born and raised in Miami, my love for the city and being able to represent the truth & light here, in the most authentic way, is important to me. When the world thinks "Miami", they think the glittery & often times plastic South Beach. However, when the locals "on the other side" think Miami... they think and FEEL A LOT more than just that. The work, these guys produce, represent a huge part of the Miami truth that needs to be heard around the world, a whole lot more.
The concept for the shoot curated was born from the idea that many of us and our struggling brothers and sisters live a life that we were born into. Remembering where we REALLY come from & that we are Kings & Queens gives us the ability to do the best we can in life. We are all just striving to make it out and help as many people along the way to do the same.
The use of flowers are a staple in promoting natural beauty and peace. Today, and for past decades, Individuals wear and distribute flowers or floral-themed decorations to symbolize ideals of universal belonging, peace and love. This photo series is also dedicated to that notion, and supporting those same ideals for today and the future.
Don't shoot bullets! Use your "weapon" of truth and love to combat the issues. Shoot out lots of truth as you tell stories to enlighten and uplift the people. As creatives, we use our different art forms/chosen mediums to tell the stories. Using our "automatic weapons" of truth and love to shoot out the good vibes only is our best bet (if you asked me).
I feel it is most important to understand where we come from and embrace the struggles so that we can utilize the struggle to assist in shaping our future for the better. Kings In Denial [of their truth] Don't Overcome.... and never will. So go deep, acknowledge the pain, the hurt, the beauty, the struggles, the light, the darkness, the tough circumstances, and the mistakes so that you can make it out.... much like a flower blooming. "Remember, every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there."
HOMAGE
Photography & Creative Direction: Esdras "PhotoTea" Thelusma
Styling & Creative Direction: Say Sukii
Inspiration: "K.I.D.D.O. - Kingz In Denial Don't Overcome" by Kiddo Marv
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