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CYREENA

@cyreenaba

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Today is the last full day to visit the “The St. John Collection” @gallerygogogo.

Last December I decided to not wait any longer to do anything I felt like doing. Basically. A long story, but it’s a rather simple one. But… that story can be told another day.

“The St. John Collection” is one of four projects that came to life over the last six months and it is my first.

When I made a plan to become “creative” I gave myself 3-5 years for my first “show” or something. It took 3-5 months instead. @gallerygogogo you made my dreams come true.

Thank you. 💖

In the winter I searched my Mother’s closets for her first St. John. Not until last Friday did she know about this. Neither did my daughters. No one really knew. I like to surprise. So… SURPRISE!

Thank you to everyone who visited this project and wrote personal messages sharing feedback and their personal resonances with the poetry and the presentation itself.

I have three more projects in the queue currently. Each project centers women, fashion, film, and pieces of my personal life. To be on the list for project announcements, show locations, or to collaborate with me click the #linkbio.

I’m very excited for Project No. 2. 😘

💖

Thank you again! taken in Portland, Oregon by @cyreenaba

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4 years ago

To everyone that came to the opening of “The St. John Collection” on Saturday you are truly appreciated and beloved by me. And so are those who are far and wide that sent gifts and messages in great support of this experience.

I also know of many who have viewed it since this weekend too. Wow, thank you!

The collection, and the full set of poems, will be at @gallerygogogo until this Saturday, June 11. Please visit and enjoy all the other artists!

After it’s uninstalled I’ll share other highlights from this week, including the background of this work and about my Mother’s reaction, and how my daughters felt about it all.

Until then, enjoy!

Saturday is still like a dream. 💖 taken in Portland, Oregon by @cyreenaba

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4 years ago

Tomorrow evening, Saturday, June 4, 2022, I will debut a collection of work which initiates my public journey into creative writing and artistry.

“The St. John Collection” is a set of poems as an ode to the Black experience shaped by my perspectives on race, class, and gender through my family story, the trappings of life, and a myriad of experiences leading up to the eve of my 42nd birthday this month.

The central poem “St. John” is examined around my Mother’s first St. John fashion piece which is a classic tuxedo designed by the luxury maker in 1997. In American Fashion St. John knitwear was often a culminating destination for elite women who arrived at a certain era of distinction in their lives, especially for Black women of a particular ilk and association. I am photographed here in my Mother’s first St. John tuxedo.

Long enamored by my Mother’s fashion style, I have curated her stories and experiences in my mind and heart, which have actually become my own. At a first read my writing may seem a provocative depiction of Black America, but I am actually writing about myself.

“The St. John Collection” in print will be featured alongside photographs and a portrait by local artists, including @blancaplatabodyart @elle.hygge & @intisarabioto

I will be in the gallery tomorrow from 6-8 PM. The collection will be up for a week.

I hope you enjoy this experience as much as I have.

Special thanks to Gallery Go-Go which is an *incredibly* bright and beautiful gallery in the heart of Downtown Portland. *You must visit this gallery* not just to see my work, but to support so many exceptional artists who have taken my breath away. I will be one of several artists opening tomorrow. Follow @gallerygogogo for location details. by @cyreenaba

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4 years ago

Age 14 and a Day. Rich Spirit. Ava. 🥳🍩 by @cyreenaba

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13 days ago

“I didn’t say I forgot. I said that I don’t remember. You need to learn how to do the same.”
-Mommy by @cyreenaba

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14 days ago

@kreative33__ by @cyreenaba

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a month ago

MIDDLE SCHOOL 💖💖 by @cyreenaba

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2 months ago

Cried myself to sleep. 💎 by @cyreenaba

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2 months ago

All the Angels
All the Saints
All the Ancestors

One year ago today, but a love so pure it’s Forever & Always.

Our Lovely.

May God Bless and Keep You. taken in Toledo, Ohio by @cyreenaba

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4 months ago

Grandfather Freeman, Daddy, and Louie thank you for a few things:

-a cinnamon raisin bagel/xt butter
-teaching hambone
-finding the good butcher
-Pay Per View Fight Night
-Freeman Road
-being lifelong friends with the butcher
-*proper* coffee
-reading the newspaper
-preserving small talk
-voting in every single election
-a correct handshake
-Tony Montana
-bad jokes
-Fine Art Optical Illusion

We love you so 🥰 #happyfathersday by @cyreenaba

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4 months ago

How the hell did you get up there by yourself?

Dang, you’re good!

That’s crazy!

You climbed?

Age 46 🥳♊️🥹🫶🏽💖🙏🏽♾️🥳 by @cyreenaba

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4 months ago

Ava, you are officially taller than Mommy now! 😭 And you keep climbing and climbing. You’ve finished 7th Grade and you’re headed to your last year of Middle School!

It was a true pleasure to see you soak up the middle of the middle.

Last minute you joined your first year of club volleyball on a team of first time players and you all CRUSHED it. I am so proud that you hopped right into practice nights, games, all day tourneys and travel tournaments and got the BEST grades you’ve ever had. I mean excellent grades. I’m not surprised - but I just have no idea how you managed French and Chinese and all of your IB projects. And slept!

I always tell people that one day I’ll be working for you - because I already do!

😜

-Waking up to business plans in my inbox
-Texting me your supply list(s)
-Drafts of your lobby plans in my Notes
-And your amazing visual boards

The sky is truly the limit for you!

You are way WAY smarter and more aware of the world than I was at your age, and frankly, maybe even now.

Right now - my favorite thing about you is your character. You are an *excellent* friend and you’ve inspired the school and community through your words and example.

And now! You’re officially babysitter certified.

Folks- Ava’s for hire this summer!

I love you Tall Doll Baby. Your sister and village think you’re the very best too. ❤️ by @cyreenaba

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4 months ago