Super Bowl artist weaves Black Masking culture into vibrant logo and theme art for NFL global stage
apnews.com
In this undated photo provided by the NFL, New Orleans artist Tahj 'Queen Tahj' Williams works on the Super Bowl logo. (NFL Via AP)2025-02-05T21:06:14Z NEW ORLEANS (AP) Artist Tahj Queen Tahj Williams rarely cruises through downtown New Orleans, but recently she did, finding one of her creations on full display: The Super Bowl logo and theme art she meticulously stitched in her sewing room now stretched across buildings near t he Caesars Superdome.In that moment, it all sunk in. Williams design, a tribute to Black Masking culture, wouldnt just be a local spectacle. Her artwork would be seen all over the world.As visitors gather in New Orleans this week and millions tune into the Super Bowl on Sunday, Williams will be celebrating her artistry and culture. I come from a great and beautiful culture, and I want the world to see it the same way as I do, said Williams, 26, who is the first person to handcraft both the Super Bowl logo and theme art. Her intricate beadwork reflects the spirit of her city, celebrating Black Masking culture, which Williams uncle introduced to her as a child. In this undated photo provided by the NFL, New Orleans artist Tahj Queen Tahj Williams works on the Super Bowl logo. (NFL Via AP) In this undated photo provided by the NFL, New Orleans artist Tahj Queen Tahj Williams works on the Super Bowl logo. (NFL Via AP) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Williams theme art and logo will be featured almost everywhere such as digital game tickets, the official program cover, the team jerseys for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, the game ball and the exterior of a hotel in New Orleans. Black Masking Culture, which was rooted in the 1800s, blends African and Native American heritage. The elaborate, hand-sewn suits adorned with intricate beadwork and feathers are highlighted with bold and colorful designs to pay homage to their ancestral influence. AP @ the Super Bowl What time does the Super Bowl start? Our guide to the game The ads youll be watching Kendrick Lamar is ready for halftime See who won the AP MVP and other awards The New Orleans natives designs feature bold pinks, deep reds, chartreuses and lush greens, blending traditional elements with modern creativity in her hand-sewn beadwork. Her concept for the logo comes from the Black Masking Indian suits she creates for Mardi Gras. In this undated photo provided by the NFL, shows the Super Bowl logo created by New Orleans artist Tahj Queen Tahj Williams. (NFL Via AP) In this undated photo provided by the NFL, shows the Super Bowl logo created by New Orleans artist Tahj Queen Tahj Williams. (NFL Via AP) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More The suits, often created over a year of meticulous hand-sewing and beadwork, are a central part of Mardi Gras, St. Josephs Night and Super Sunday celebrations. I always try to do some kind of bright colors because bright colors speak to me, said Williams, a member of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Tribe. Shes also a master in the intricate art of Black Masking suit design, a tradition deeply rooted in the Indigenous and African heritage of New Orleans. They remind me of the happiest times in my life, she said. The design itself comes from New Orleans deep-rooted architecture. The historical parts of the city. Were known for food, the second-line band, you see the French Quarter.Williams Super Bowl journey began when an NFL representative reached out to her through social media in February 2024. She spent about a month on the beadwork, describing the process as nothing short of peaceful. AP @ the Super Bowl What time does the Super Bowl start? Our guide to the game The ads youll be watching Kendrick Lamar is ready for halftime See who won the AP MVP and other awards For Williams, creativity is the perfect escape from her day job as a cybersecurity engineer at Microsoft. Her beadwork was a step-by-step process, focusing on the Super Bowls Roman numbers of LIX (59) first, then fleshing out the rest.I dont really look at this as a chore. Depends on your mindset, she said. I dont look at the full piece that Im trying to bead. We call it a patch. Ill start with the L. Then Ill do the I before the X. Ill work on the trophy then the wording. I dont look at the whole thing because Ill get discouraged. You need to do it in a way where you can see progress. The NFL said Williams work honors the cultural roots of New Orleans, calling her the perfect artist. As a local artist, Williams knows plenty of talented individuals who may not have the same marketability as those with larger audiences. She hopes more major organizations, like the NFL, will recognize and provide opportunities to proven local talent.Its about continuing on this pattern of local artists, small artists getting these big opportunities, she said. When you have a little bit more followers, its easier for these big organizations with these amazing opportunities to find you. I just want these bigger organizations to try their hardest to find those smaller artists that still make beautiful, amazing work, but just may not have the kind of marketing behind them that a larger artist would. Williams, who was the captain of her middle school football team, said shell be attending a Super Bowl for the first time. She wants to keep certain memorabilia like a jacket filled with lapel pins, a game ticket and a Bud Light sign that lights up, even though shes not a beer drinker.As the big game draws closer, Williams grows more excited. The culture and artistry will be on display for the Super Bowl, she said. Im looking forward to it.___For more on the Super Bowl, visit https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. Landrum is an entertainment reporter based in Los Angeles. He reports on television, film and music for The Associated Press. twitter instagram mailto
0 Reacties ·0 aandelen ·114 Views ·0 voorbeeld