top of page
Articles
Search


Logging Off - Digital Fatigue
How digital content creation and the internet landscape went from aspirational content to rage bait content.

Philisiwe Nzimande
Jun 98 min read


The Recession-Proof Industry
The Recession Resistent Beauty Industry

Philisiwe Nzimande
Mar 164 min read


Austerity Urbanism: South African Architecture and Infrastructure Under Austerity
Austerity Urbanism in South Africa

Philisiwe Nzimande
Mar 911 min read


Animated Music Videos
Animated music videos emerged as a creative alternative to live-action filming, offering artists a way to visualise sound through imagination. Early examples in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, animation has become a staple for musicians seeking to push boundaries. 2Pac's "Do For Love" music video, directed by Michael Jurkovac and featuring animation by an unnamed team (possibly with input from Shock G) , uses a distinct animated style inspired by manga/anime to tell its s

Acid Papaya Magazine
Dec 1, 20252 min read


The Fashion Of Oppression
Elon Musk with MAGA Hat on Fashion has always been a means of personal expression amongst people throughout the ages; however, fashion has also been used to uphold social hierarchies. Clothing has been used as a mechanism for propaganda and social control. Historically, the oppressive Italian fascist regime of 1919 was symbolised by the black shirts, and dare we say that the Make America Great Again caps of the Trump administration will, in the future, be seen as a piece of c

Philisiwe Nzimande
Mar 10, 20256 min read


Brutal Irony: From Democratic Utopia to Dystopian Spectacle
Behind the scenes of Brazil Brutalist architecture was conceived in the aftermath of World War II with a vision rooted in egalitarian and democratic ideals. Its raw, unadorned concrete structures and imposing massing were meant to embody honesty, utility, and social progress; brutalism was meant to be an architectural language accessible to all. Yet over time, these very characteristics have been reinterpreted in real life by the general population as ugly and cheap due to th

Philisiwe Nzimande
Mar 3, 20254 min read


Kwasi Fordjour: The Creative Powerhouse Behind Parkwood Entertainment
Kwasi Fordjour can arguably be noted as one of the greatest creatives of our generation. He is no slouch, holding the titles of creative director, choreographer, writer and DJ. Fordjour always wanted to be a creative, especially within the music industry. Not only has he achieved his childhood dream, but he has surpassed it. Background Kwai Fordjour began his ascent into the prominent position at Parkwood Entertainment by first attending a music and journalism class at Grammy

Philisiwe Nzimande
Jun 5, 20233 min read


Luci Peresova: The Art Of Sophisticated Play
Lucia Peresova is a well-known surreal makeup artist.

Philisiwe Nzimande
Dec 5, 20222 min read


Eco-Brutalism: A Look at Biophilic Brutalist Architecture and Interior Design
Image Credit: Pinterest.com Biophilic brutalism blends raw structural materials such as steel and exposed concrete with nature, like plants, woods, and textured stones, with the intention of creating sustainable, human-centric living and working spaces. What is Biophilic Brutalism? Brutalism is an architectural style that came about in the mid-20th century post-World War II. Brutalism is characterised by exposed concrete, massive austere functional forms, and a refusal to emb

Philisiwe Nzimande
Sep 5, 20223 min read


Master Of Textiles: Richard Quinn
Enter the world of floral textile prints and queeny high fashion with Richard Quinn.

Acid Papaya Magazine
Jun 7, 20224 min read


More is More: A Masterclass of Maximalist Interior Design
Maximalist interior design is an unapologetic celebration of “more is more”. The design style blends bold colours, layered textures and eclectic collections into vibrant spaces. Offering an opposite aesthetic to the minimalist approach to home design, the maximalist approach allows homeowners to tell a story through the design. History of Maximalist Design Maximalist design has roots in the Victorian era, whereby a visual display of wealth was achieved through luxurious textu

Philisiwe Nzimande
Jun 6, 20222 min read


Soft Brutalism: Melding Raw Edges with Subtle Comfort
Soft Brutalism is a captivating evolution of the Brutalist design movement. While Brutalism is often associated with stark concrete structures and an unapologetically raw aesthetic, its "soft" counterpart takes a more refined and approachable stance. This interior design style marries the rugged, industrial essence of traditional Brutalism with the warmth and comfort of modern living. The result is a balance of minimalist sophistication and inviting charm, making it an excell

Acid Papaya Magazine
Mar 7, 20222 min read


Hip Hop Meets Classical Music
Several hip hop artists have successfully blended their sound with classical orchestras for live performances and recordings. Notable examples include Nas, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Cypress Hill, and the group Thee Phantom & the Illharmonic Orchestra. Key Artists and Collaborations AKA and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra historically collaborated for the AKA Orchestra on the Square Shows, marking him as the first hip-hop artist in South Africa to perform with a full orche

Acid Papaya Magazine
Dec 27, 20212 min read


Smart Beauty Spending: Comparing High-End and Drugstore Makeup
Difference between High-End Makeup and Drugstore Makeup High-end and drugstore (Dischem and Clicks) makeup pursue the same goal, which is to enhance the appearance, but they differ in formulation investment, shade range, performance, and price. Luxury brands typically invest more money in research and development, with the intention of using premium ingredients and finishes. Drugstore brands focus on accessibility, value, and trends, and in many categories they now match or c

Acid Papaya Magazine
Dec 20, 20213 min read


Innovating Tradition: Craig Green x Adidas Originals
A Meeting of Minds In 2020, British designer Craig Green and Adidas Originals deepened their partnership with a second collaborative collection that officially launched on November 7th. This season marked a continuation of their shared values: ingenuity, function, innovation, and utility. The collection’s debut pieces first appeared on the autumn/winter 2020 runway show in Paris, signalling a seamless fusion of high-fashion concepts with sportswear heritage. CG SUPERSTAR: Qui

Acid Papaya Magazine
Dec 13, 20213 min read


KAWS: A Profile of Brian Donnelly and His Iconic Creations
KAWS is the pseudonym of Brian Donnelly (born November 4, 1974), an American artist whose work blurs the lines between street art, pop...

Acid Papaya Magazine
Dec 10, 20213 min read


The Unsung Heroes of Interior Design: Pattern
Patterns guide the eye, establish rhythm, and infuse rooms with personality. Understanding the building blocks of a pattern empowers you...

Acid Papaya Magazine
Dec 3, 20213 min read


A Splash Of Colour: A Guide To A Bold Yet Sophisticated Home
Embracing Colourful Interior Design: A Guide To A Bold Yet Sophisticated Home Colourful interior decor can merge a bold and vibrant...

Acid Papaya Magazine
Oct 4, 20215 min read


Fenty Beauty: Redefining Diversity and Inclusivity in the Beauty Industry
In 2017, Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in what would revolutionise the way the beauty industry approached diversity. Breaking away from the confines of traditional colour palettes, the brand debuted with an unprecedented 40 shades of foundation, which would later expand to 50. The bold move filled a glaring gap in representation for people with a variety of skin tones, particularly those with darker skin tones, and sent shockwaves through an industry that had long sidelined b

Acid Papaya Magazine
Sep 27, 20215 min read


Wycliffe Mundopa: The Bold Narrator of Zimbabwean Contemporary Life
Wycliffe Mundopa stands as one of Zimbabwe’s most compelling contemporary painters, who captures the tension and passion of change in his...

Acid Papaya Magazine
Sep 20, 20213 min read
bottom of page