Curated by the Wooster Collective, the “Hybrid Thinking” exhibit unites artists from various parts of the world as a statement  of unity with humankind and nature:

“Hybrid Thinking refers to the current zeitgeist of our time: disparate cultures coming together to create something completely new. Though from distinctly different cultural backgrounds, these artists share an understanding of our cities, of the human condition and our complex relationship with nature.”

 The “Noir 50″ stilletos by  New Zelander  Dutch artist Sit are a big wow. The exhibit is on view at the Jonathan  Levine Gallery in New York until Februray, 11th.Via.

Inspired by the Arab Spring, with references to Persia, Islam and contemporary Iran, artist Shirin Neshat once again poetically distills socio-cultural politics in breathtaking black and white. This past week (01/12/12) her fifth solo show with Gladstone Gallery opened in New York City to a packed crowd of admirers. And of course, Ms. Neshat, a fabulous woman and badass global artist, did not disappoint. -Diana McClure.

Opening night images courtesy of photographer Marko Jokic.

The Inside Out ”‘Rising Souls Haiti” project is taking place in Haiti as we speak to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the earthquake. In a partnership with TED  prize 2011 recipient JR’s Inside Out  project “Rising Souls Haiti”  aims to highlight  the faces of the  individuals who  day after day thrive  in dire odds.

The project is a collaboration between Haitian but also international professional photographers like: Marc Steed, Marc Baptiste, Tatiana Mora Liautaud, Marie Arago, Louis Albert Silvera Levêque, Inbal Timor and the kids from the photography workshop, FotoKonbit. Taking their cameras to the streets they are asking people to express themselves in the form of a facial expression. The portraits will be printed as life-size posters and pasted on the walls of downtown Port au Prince, Pétion-Ville and Delmas.

Visit their Facebook page to see the work in progress here.

On a post new year’s gallery stroll in Manhattan I came across this painting ”Royal Blue,” by artist Tim Okamura. Prominently placed in the back room of Lyons Wier Gallery, the painting captures a cold NYC winter moment in a marriage of realist portraiture and urban flavor. See more images courtesy of Lyons Wier Gallery on the next page. -Diana McClure

Rush Arts Gallery    in the Chelsea neighborhood of NYC is another arm of the Simmons brothers’ (Russell, Run and Danny) cultural legacy. The gallery’s current exhibit, Neekid Black Gurls, curated by Danny Simmons offers a quiet rebuttal to pop culture’s limited take on the black female figure. Offering up a selection of photo-based work that highlights the perfection of imperfections, artistic nuance and straightforward nude portraiture, the exhibition is a refreshing counterpoint to those janky booty magazines on newsstands across the city! On the next page a few of my favorites.-Diana McClure

Neekid Black Gurls is on view through January 27th, 2012. 

Described as the ”ultimate hero jacket with a genuine piece of history sewn in,” Denham the Jeanmaker’s latest women’s creation is a special edition “Spy” biker jacket combining antique textiles from Bangkok and leather.

Created on narrow hand-looms and dyed using ancient resistance-wax techniques, these fabrics are among the most beautiful in the world of indigo cloth. The team was able to procure a mix of antique textile items, such as accordion skirts and simple smocks, as well as unstitched textile yardage. The final range of fabrics included both very old specimens and examples of indigo fabric as it is still woven and treated by tribes like the Hmong today.

Take a look at some details  of the fierceness on the next page.

Not sure who the artist is, but someone updated Kanye’s trademark Dropout Bear with an ensemble featuring Givenchy plus his Nike Air Yeezy kicks. And is the gold-plate necklace a reference to those featured in his Spring 2012 runway? Via Electrostaticluv.

The legendary Martha Cooper explores the Wynwood district in Miami, sharing her views and expertise. Enjoy!

Founded by Maithili Alhuwalia, Bungalow8 is like a treasure chest of  apparel,  furniture and various accessories. The above “Zanzibar” necklace,  bold and regal makes the kind of style statement we love. It’s currently available at L-atitude. Full view on the flip.

By Brooklyn-born artist Jean Michel Basquiat, a “King Alphonso” coffee mug and plate (see next page). Always conflicted over the idea of putting images of great art on mugs and keychains. I guess why not. Available at Colette.