Interview: Multimedia Artist Cey Adams

From NYC graffiti to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and beyond

Cey Adams’ bust in the pantheon of New York artists is well-cemented. Queens-born Adams grew up writing graffiti with the likes of Lee Quiñones, Futura, and Haze; and taking part in downtown’s scene, exhibiting alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. After creating logos and designs for friends like the Beastie Boys, Adams was soon tapped by Russell Simmons to become Creative Director at Def Jam Records, …

Alexandria Lira’s NSFW “F*CKBOYS” Portraits

At East Hampton's Roman Fine Art, an exhibition of subjects found on Tinder

After matching on Tinder, Brooklyn-based artist Alexandria Lira informs swipers that she’s interested in photographing them. Lira then captures nude or partially nude scenes of her matches sprawled out in beds, chairs or couches. These scenes are then printed on large-scale canvases and painted with oils. Lira chooses the color palette for the painting based on the emotional temperature she reads from the subjects. Each …

Jae Stephens: Got It Like That

Singer/songwriter/producer Jae Stephens’ “Got It Like That” is a catchy track about self-empowerment (and shrugging off unworthy, would-be suitors) from her forthcoming EP. The track is a dark, electronic-meets-R&B jam—accented with samples of bells, crowds chattering and ticking clocks—and Stephens’ honeyed vocals fit perfectly across its highs and lows.