The Stunning Work of a Pulitzer-Winning Photographer Killed by the Taliban

By in Photography

The Stunning Work of a Pulitzer-Winning Photographer Killed by the Taliban
An exhausted Rohingya refugee woman touches the shore after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border
An exhausted Rohingya refugee woman touches the shore after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border by boat through the Bay of Bengal, 2017.

In 2021, while on assignment for Reuters news agency in Afghanistan, Pulitzer-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui was killed after the Afghani special forces he was with came under fire by the Taliban.

His untimely death serves as a reminder of the dangers journalists and photographers face when heading into a live war zone.

Siddiqui’s photos have now been collated into a new book that showcases the photos he captured in his native country of India and beyond.

A man feeds seagulls on a beach.
A man feeds seagulls on a beach along the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, India, 2016.
Maharashtrian women dressed in traditional costumes
Maharashtrian women dressed in traditional costumes attend celebrations to mark the Gudi Padwa festival in Mumbai, 2015.
A girl plays with street dogs.
Shazia, a six year-old-girl, plays with street dogs on bamboo sticks at a timber market in Mumbai, 2014.
Cinema goers watch Bollywood movie
Cinema goers watch Bollywood movie Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (The Big Hearted Will Take the Bride) in a theater in Mumbai, 2010.

Questions remain over precisely what happened to Siddiqui, but grim reports over his fate include his body being mutilated by the Taliban who allegedly displayed it in a town center.

A Reuters investigation found that Siddiqui was left behind by retreating Afghan forces after some confusion. A commander believed the photographer and two other soldiers were safely on a convoy when they were convalescing in a mosque.

The New York Times said they had seen multiple photographs of Siddiqui’s body that show nearly a dozen bullet wounds and tire marks on his face and chest.

The Taliban have denied any wrongdoing, saying that they were under orders to treat bodies with respect. Sidiqqui’s death happened during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan which allowed the Taliban to take back control of the country.

Participants take part in Queer Azaadi
Participants take part in Queer Azaadi, an event promoting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights in Mumbai, 2010.
A man performs Mallakhamb
A man performs Mallakhamb (gymnast’s pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai, 2010.
Devotees pray after taking a holy dip at Sangam
Devotees pray after taking a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, during “Kumbh Mela”, or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, 2019.
A Hindu holy man wears a mask before the procession for taking a dip in the Ganges river
A Naga Sadhu, or Hindu holy man wears a mask before the procession for taking a dip in the Ganges river during Shahi Snan at “Kumbh Mela”, or the Pitcher Festival, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), 2021.
A woman with a breathing problem receives oxygen
A woman with a breathing problem receives oxygen support for free in her car at a Gurudwara (Sikh temple) in Ghaziabad, India, 2021.
An Afghan boy works at a construction site
An Afghan boy works at a construction site as a U.S. Army soldier of 3/1 AD Task Force Bulldog takes position during a joint patrol with Afghan National Army (ANA) in a village in Kherwar district in Logar province, eastern Afghanistan, 2012.
Afghan women clad in burqa walk up a hill
Afghan women clad in burqa walk up a hill at the old part of Kabul, 2012.
Portrait of Danish Siddiqui
Portrait of Danish Siddiqui. | Berna Paraera.

Siddiqui won two Pulitzer prizes; the first one, in 2018, was for his role documenting the Rohingya refugee crisis. And in 2022, he was awarded the price posthumously for his images of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Danish Siddiqui is publised by Kehrer Verlag and is avaialble to purchase here.

Image credits: All photos by Danish Siddiqui/Reuters (unless otherwise stated).

Aston Martin DB12 Plays a Game of Sporty Succession

By in Design

Aston Martin DB12 Plays a Game of Sporty Succession

Driving conditions were far from ideal across sections of the Route Napoléon last month. The normally achingly bucolic stretch of winding backroads commencing from the glistening coastline of the Côte d’Azur  retracing the footsteps of the French Emperor’s 1815 flight from Elba to Grenoble was being rudely doused across sections of the carefully curated route plotted to acquaint us with the most recent iteration of an automotive icon with few peers. Downspouts of rain descended from the mountainside at times with such severity it seemed like I was driving through a carwash (albeit at speeds no carwash would ever permit) rather than the storied route often considered one of the best drives across France. But behind the wheel of the newly unveiled Aston Martin DB12, the trying conditions seemed to play out as an opportunity rather than any real reason for concern.

Photo: Gregory Han

A confident expression of British engineering and styling celebrated as the “the world’s first super tourer,” Aston’s latest version wearing the iconic DB moniker is a glorious head turner – the sort of vehicle that elicits envy without the baggage of judgment that sometimes comes keychained to a vehicle priced securely in the six figure category (perhaps a pass attributed to its historical association with the world’s famous actor of espionage). While appreciatively dashing in all of its various hues, garbed in a lustrous hue of green – Iridescent Emerald – the vehicle mesmerizes like a shimmering river rock just plucked from the water, before drawing a studied appreciation of its entire taut musculature expressed at every angle.

Woman with boot covered leg sticking out from driver's side of the Aston Martin DB12 in Iridescent Green.

Photo: Gregory Han

Aston Martin DB12 in Iridescent Green parked along gravel roadside in French countryside.

Photo: Gregory Han

The vehicle’s wide haunched stance borrows heavily from its predecessor, the DB11, with most of the notable changes found under the hood (a new 671 horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8) or behind the GT’s low slung doors. But according to Aston Martin director of design Miles Nurnberger, the sum of the DB12’s exterior changes – the enlarged grille, the addition of matrix-LED headlights, an even more pronounced hindquarter, and wider stance – result in a distinct culmination of 75 years of the DB heritage. The width of the car seems especially pronounced, instilling a degree of confidence this car should have gravity’s aid in keeping it stuck onto the road as intended.

Shelf display with Aston Martin paint color options across miniature models, black and gold brake calipers, and leather color swatch samples.

Photo: Gregory Han

Aston Martin director of design Miles Nurnberger to the side of large flat screen television showing graphics about the brand's positioning landing between the luxury and performance automotive categories.

Aston Martin director of design Miles Nurnberger presenting before our drive about the brand’s intent to deliver a vehicle satisfyingly luxurious while also more than capable of aggressive performance. Photo: Gregory Han

Side shot of parked Silver Aston Martin parked at Cote d'Azur hotel parking area with mountainside in near background and three Cypress trees.

Those 21-inch tires are impressive at a standstill, but even more whilst driving, thanks to the noise-canceling foam lining inside the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires developed specifically to deliver confident grip while hushing the hum of tire noise by 20 percent. Photo: Gregory Han

Overhead angled shot of parked Iridescent Green Aston Martin parked at Cote d'Azur hotel parking area.

Aston Martin reports the DB12 can burst from a standstill to 60mph in just 3.6 seconds, 0.4 second faster than the DB11. We can attest the power is always ready at beck and call, supposedly available to whip heads back into seats at a top speed of 202 mph for those capable and daring enough to summon the V8’s full guttural might. Noting the aforementioned rain conditions, we never quite threatened that degree of sustained speed, but we did push the car enough to acquaint ourselves with the DB12’s four drive modes, most appreciatively the vehicle’s Wet setting. The drive mode may have politely corrected for a passing moment of overly aggressive steering at one point as this driver cascaded out from a sweeping turn.

Front view of Aston Martin DB12 in green parked on lake jetty.

Whether considered evolutionary or revolutionary, the resulting silhouette is a convincing welterweight fighter in tailored suit, complete with a brand new tie: a new winged Aston Martin badge.

Outside the brief escapade, the super tourer’s electronic stability control system proved unobtrusive to the thrill of driving through French switchbacks and on straightaways past peloton racers at speeds in wet, dry, or in-between conditions.

Back overhead view of Iridescent Green Aston Martin DB12 riding into the sunset.

Much was made about the DB12’s redesigned interior, one expressed in a thoughtful layout of physical buttons and switches complementing a pair of digital screens, all encompassed with a lavish amount of stitched leather that gave the impression of sitting in the loose grip of an oversized catcher’s mitt – albeit the most luxuriously appointed mitt you might imagine.

Driver side view behind the Aston Martin DB12 steering wheel facing out toward mountain range in the distance.

For purists perhaps any addition of even a single screen is one too many, but Aston Martin’s interior team has tread lightly to update the interior to modern standards while retaining a pleasing degree of the tactile dedicated to adjusting temperature, volume, and other creature comforts, alongside access to drive modes. The intuitive layout reduces the chances of risking injury via split-second touchscreen menu windowshopping that a fully touchscreen infotainment system tempts. And we could imagine in a matter of days muscle memory would kick in if you are fortunate (and fortuned) enough to call a DB12 your daily driver.

View of the Aston Martin DB12 center console infotainment system,

Both the 10.25” TFT Touch Screen Central Display and the complementing 10.25” TFT driver information display Aston Martin have added into the DB12 are approvingly bright and colorful, with clear and concise graphics realized at 1970×720 resolution. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are thankfully both supported, and the GT’s 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system won’t leave you wanting when desiring an enlivening soundtrack en route.

Exterior shot looking in through the open window of passenger side showing padded leather cushioned seats.

The only qualms noted during our daytrip with the DB12 were attached to the preproduction vehicle’s definitely work-in-progress navigation system; the map routing had a highly suspect tendency to want to redirect several of us into greener pastures and admittedly picturesque dirt roads leading to parts unknown. Aston Martin assuaged concerns with promises the built-in navigation system was already planned to see several more updates before being released into the wild.

Detail of Bowers&Wilkins tweeter inside the Aston Martin DB12.

Driver side doorsill badge inside the Aston Martin DB12.

Before releasing us onto the road the morning of our drive, Aston Martin reps would spend a good amount of time to emphasize how the DB12 is intended to inhabit and rule the pinnacle between ultimate luxury and exhilarating performance. Behind the wheel of the new DB12 for an entire day, we concur it does a memorably fine job in delivering on both accounts, and everywhere in-between, making it a model deserving of the newly refreshed Aston Martin badge celebrating the brand’s 110th anniversary alongside 75 years of the iconic DB model line. Or as Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin notes, “a new category of performance-design driving experience.”

Disclaimer: Travel and accommodations were provided by Aston Martin for this review.

Gregory Han is the Managing Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

River City Senior Benefits Increases Agent Offerings and Optimizes Client Experience through Integrity Partnership

By in Art World News

River City Senior Benefits Increases Agent Offerings and Optimizes Client Experience through Integrity Partnership

Prominent life and health insurance agency embarks on a new chapter of growth by utilizing Integrity’s vast insurtech resources to provide the highest quality service to their clients

DALLAS, July 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with River City Senior Benefits, a leading independent marketing organization (“IMO”) headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and led by Philip Edwards, President. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

After years spent working as an agent and gaining insurance experience and expertise, Edwards launched River City Senior Benefits in 2000. The agency helps seniors across the Southeast navigate the complexities of Medicare to find the right Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans for their needs. River City Senior Benefits has sustained remarkable annual growth by maintaining its commitment to improving the lives of every client served. The company also provides life insurance and annuity products to its network of agents.

“Much like Integrity, we’ve always set ourselves apart by our focus on ethics and customer service,” said Philip Edwards, President of River City Senior Benefits. “The sincere and honest service we provide aligns perfectly with Integrity’s core values and will continue to define us as an Integrity partner. Integrity has invested in building the most state-of-the-art technology on the market for agents. The support infrastructure and training resources will help us become more efficient when serving our clients, as well as create opportunities for expansion. In addition, I’m excited to collaborate with other industry leaders and implement the growth strategies they’ve experienced success with. We can all learn from and help each other and in turn, serve more Americans together. We feel confident this partnership will help us provide the best products for our clients and the strongest future for our agents.”

“Philip has been a leader in this industry for decades — he leads by example with a deep commitment to advocating for the clients he serves,” explained Bryan W. Adams, Co-Founder and CEO of Integrity. “We are thrilled to add not only an outstanding company, but also Philip’s talented team of agents, who are equally committed to their clients and community. By partnering with Integrity, River City Senior Benefits gains access to a wealth of products, technology and support systems that will help them make even greater strides in the industry. The River City Senior Benefits team can leverage the full power of Integrity’s exclusive partner resources to enhance their service and continue to fulfill their goals. Together, we will deliver on our commitment to help more Americans prepare for the good days ahead.”

Integrity’s full-stack insurtech platform creates efficiencies for agents, which opens pivotal opportunities for production increases. The proprietary platform includes solutions such as instantaneous online quoting and enrollment, meaningful data and analytics, customer relationship management software and ongoing product development. River City Senior Benefits’ corporate infrastructure can be streamlined through Integrity’s centralized support systems, reducing valuable administrative time.

Also available exclusively to Integrity partners is the opportunity to collaborate with other industry leaders and legends through Integrity’s rapidly-growing partner network. This team is continuously collaborating to craft more holistic solutions to protect the life, health and wealth of American families. Their advancements in financial and insurance processes are defining best practices and creating more holistic solutions that enable Americans to plan for the good days ahead.

For more information about River City Senior Benefits’ decision to become an Integrity partner, view a video at www.integritymarketing.com/RiverCity.

About Integrity

Integrity, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of innovative solutions for wealth management and retirement planning. Through its partner network of over 500,000 agents and advisors, Integrity helps millions of Americans protect their life, health and wealth with a commitment to meet them wherever they are — in person, over the phone and online. Integrity’s cutting-edge technology helps streamline the insurance and financial planning experience for all stakeholders. In addition, Integrity develops products with carrier partners and markets them through its nationwide distribution network. In 2022, Integrity helped carriers place over $22 billion in new sales and oversaw more than $40 billion of assets under management and advisement through its RIA and broker-dealer platforms. For more information, visit www.integritymarketing.com.

About River City Senior Benefits

River City Senior Benefits is an independent insurance agency focused on the senior market and headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company is known for providing sincere and honest service to seniors. It offers customized solutions built around Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans, final expense and annuity products. Since its founding in 2000, River City Senior Benefits has earned the trust of families throughout the Southeast, serving the states of Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. For more information, visit www.seniorbenefitsolutionsinc.com.

SOURCE Integrity Marketing Group, LLC

Stagwell’s (STGW) Constellation Network Acquires Fast-Growing Tinsel Experiential Design

By in Art World News

Stagwell’s (STGW) Constellation Network Acquires Fast-Growing Tinsel Experiential Design

Women and Minority-Led Business Grew Tenfold in the Last Three Years

NEW YORK, July 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, has acquired Tinsel Experiential Design (Tinsel), a marketing and design studio focused on immersive customer experiences and experiential engagement. Tinsel joins Stagwell’s Constellation Network of agencies, complementing TEAM Enterprises with creative resources and integrated production capabilities to take on larger-scope projects.


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Tinsel co-founders: clockwise, L-R: Liz Castelli, Erica Taylor Haskins, Adette C. Contreras
Tinsel co-founders: clockwise, L-R: Liz Castelli, Erica Taylor Haskins, Adette C. Contreras

“One of the main reasons we looked at Tinsel to begin with was the culture of humanity, collaboration, and creativity that shapes and guides the organization on a daily basis, making space for big ideas that have earned the agency a reputation for cutting-edge, avant garde design and creative concepts,” said Justin Lewis, chair, Constellation Network. “This approach combined with their expertise in the physical part of brand building were the perfect blend for Constellation and the Stagwell network.”

Tinsel, whose clients include Sony Music Entertainment, GitHub, Pfizer, and Uber, also brings environmental design, 3D renderings, and conference and corporate events experience, with special expertise in the B2B technology space.

“As the champions of experiential marketing within Stagwell, it’s exciting to see Tinsel join the mix. The story of the three female founders – a unique blend of backgrounds, pure tenacity, and a touch of grace – is inspiring,” said Dan Gregory, CEO, TEAM Enterprises. “Tinsel’s distinct style and knack for creative problem-solving, especially in the B2B space, has us amped for the network. With Tinsel, Stagwell is all-in on expanding experiential offerings to clients.”

“This milestone is a testament to the team’s consistent high caliber of work, and we’re excited to expand our service offerings even further, being able to continue delivering for our current client base and opening up more integrated marketing opportunities,” said Adette C. Contreras, co-founder and CEO, Tinsel. “Having started at big agencies, this is a full-circle moment. We’re grateful to find ourselves among a network of disruptors that share our entrepreneurial spirit and core values.”

Stagwell has made thoughtful investments in response to the resurgence of experiential and immersive experiences, such as the development and growth of ARound, its shared augmented reality platform for large-scale venues, and Sport Beach, the first-ever hub at Cannes Lions dedicated to the cultural power of sport.

Tinsel will retain its brand, and its founders – Adette C. Contreras, Liz Castelli, and Erica Taylor Haskins – will remain in leadership roles. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

About Tinsel
Tinsel started in 2011 in Brooklyn, founded by Partners Liz Castelli, Adette C. Contreras, and Erica Taylor Haskins. Since then, it’s grown to a multimillion-dollar company. With avant-garde aesthetics and the unmistakable personal touch of a boutique shop, Tinsel has established itself as an authority in a new breed of experiential design agency. 

The Tinsel co-founders have participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, Harvard’s Leading High Growth Businesses, Berkeley Haas EMBA Program, The Women Presidents’ Organization, and The Jackie Robinson Foundation. They have been honored as BizBash Top Event Professionals in the U.S. and as one of Harper’s Bazaar Top Event Designers in the world.  

About Constellation Network
Constellation is a formation of best-in-class agencies within Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) across marketing services from data, insights, creativity, technology, and experiential that deploys itself to seize clients’ biggest opportunities and solve their toughest business problems at scale. The collective includes: 72andSunny, Brand Citizens, The Harris Poll, Hecho Studios, Instrument, Redscout and TEAM Enterprises.

About Stagwell Inc.
Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our 13,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

Media Contact
Sarah Arvizo
[email protected]

SOURCE Stagwell Inc.

Keeping the spirit of Andy Warhol alive in St. Pete

By in Art World News

Keeping the spirit of Andy Warhol alive in St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — We’ve all heard of celebrity impersonators like Elvis or Michael Jackson, what about Andy Warhol? There’s an artist in St. Pete who isn’t only dressing up like his hero, he’s creating artwork inspired by him.

From mannequins to books to paintings to Campbells Soup, Lucky LeRoy’s art studio has Andy Warhol’s influence all around it.

“Andy Warhol is my hero, so any time I can share about his history, I’m happy to do that,” said LeRoy.

The two have a few things in common; they both grew up in Pittsburgh and moved to New York City to pursue a career as an artist.

So it was only fitting that LeRoy move his art studio to The Factory in St. Pete. It’s the same name Warhol used for his own studio in New York.

LeRoy said it was the glamour surrounding Warhol that drew him to the artist and the art.

Throughout The Factory, LeRoy loves showing off his Warhol-inspired work.

“I watch news stories, current events, and I try to find something that Andy Warhol might have painted about,” said LeRoy, walking through The Factory. “This one I made, it’s an Andy Warhol American Express American Flag.”

LeRoy is responsible for the newest Floridarama to be added to Fairgrounds St. Pete, also located inside The Factory.

“It sort of flashes at you as if it’s the paparazzi, and then you walk over to it, and you look in, and Andy Warhol is taking a picture of you,” said LeRoy.

LeRoy was even asked to be the first guest speaker at Fairgrounds St. Pete’s new Art After Dark series, taking place the third Friday of every month beginning July 21.

“He takes on the character, becomes part of the art, he’s an immersive walking art display himself,” said Sarah Hardin, Digital Marketing and Content Manager for Fairgrounds St. Pete.

LeRoy can’t wait to share his next project with the public, Hollywood screen tests just like the ones Warhol used to make, except in St. Pete, everyone is a celebrity.

“If you don’t take on the persona of what you are creating, it’s almost impossible to give it that authenticity that people are looking for,” said Stephanie Ellis.

For more information on Lucky LeRoy, go to leroy.land.

The inaugural Art After Dark takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Fairgrounds St. Pete. For more information and tickets, go to fairgrounds.art.

The Intuitive Approach to Landscape Photography

By in Photography

The Intuitive Approach to Landscape Photography

There are many ways to approach landscape photography, each with its own advantages and drawbacks, but one that we perhaps engage with the least is the intuitive method, namely building an emotional connection with the scene and allowing that to lead our photographic creation. This insightful video features an experienced landscape photographer discussing the approach and how to connect a landscape’s impact on you with actionable photographic ideas and techniques. 

Coming to you from Alister Benn of Expressive Photography, this fantastic video essay discusses connecting with landscapes on a personal level and using that for your own work. I think this is something many of us overlook in our process. Landscape work can be a very technical and formulaic genre, and there is nothing wrong with approaching it in that manner, but we can often find new and innovative ways of rendering a scene by finding our emotional connection with it, and the process can be more meaningful and enjoyable as well. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Benn, and don’t forget to take a look at his new book here.

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out “Photographing The World 1: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing with Elia Locardi.” 

Genuine iPhone photo rejected by photography contest for looking ‘too AI-ish’

By in Photography

Genuine iPhone photo rejected by photography contest for looking ‘too AI-ish’

Another Australian photo retailer has hit the headlines after it disqualified a genuine photo shot on an iPhone from its regular photography competition, with judges deciding that the surreal image looked “a little AI-ish”.

It’s the reversal of a story from earlier this year, when an-AI generated image won a photo contest in Australia after tricking judges with its authenticity. 

The human-created photo in question, which you can see above, was taken by Suzi Dougherty, and shows her son posing with two mannequins at a Gucci exhibition held at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia.

The panel of judges initially loved the photo, but after further discussion they wrote, “we can’t know for sure it is or isn’t (AI), but on the basis we’re suspicious we can’t allow it in.”

Real issue

An interesting narrative around the image played out on Charing Cross Photo’s Instagram page. The judges made a virtue of valuing human creativity and photographic practice, and made what turned out to be an unwarranted example of Dougherty’s photo by publicly announcing its disqualification from the competition, declaring, “We want the images to come from YOUR real life experience, and not sourced from cyberspace.

“There is no way we can be completely sure the image submitted was made by AI but you really can’t ignore the gut instincts of four judges.”

18-year-old posing with two mannequins at a Gucci exhibition in Sydney

Suzi Dougherty’s photo in full (Image credit: Suzi Dougherty)

Four days later the competition organizers shared that Dougherty had been in touch to say the photo was a real creation, and wrote, “It is a great play on what is real and not in our world indeed. Sadly for the entrant the timing was not great considering that AI is such a hot topic.”

Clearly that wasn’t an acceptable response for many in the photography community, who demanded an apology to the vilified photographer. Competition organizer Iain Anderson has since issued a full apology “born out of sincere contrition” and Dougherty, who appears more gracious and forgiving than many in the comments section, replied “I am happy to be part of a ‘mistake’ I am a big believer in making mistakes and what can be achieved through them.”

Who would host a photo contest now?

AI-generated images that look real; human-made images that can look surreal; this is a challenging and confusing time in the creative arts competition space, and I have sympathy with organizers that are running contests according to the conventions of simpler times. Who would host a photo contest now?

Sony World Photo contest prize winning image that was generated by AI

(Image credit: Boris Eldagsen)

Changes are needed that reflect the fact that AI-generated imaging is here to stay. Much of it comes down to clarity as to what is and isn’t accepted. Even the high-profile Sony World Photo competition awarded an AI generated image earlier this year (above) – but what wasn’t clearly communicated was that the organizers had foreknowledge of the use of AI in the creation of that image.

There’s a cloud of confusion engulfing photo contests, and something has to be done. Not all competitions have to adhere to the same guidelines, and that’s also true regarding what is and isn’t acceptable with real photos; do they need to be unedited raw images, for example, or can they be edited and manipulated?

Some competitions may decide to exclude AI altogether; others could create a new and separate AI category, while others might accept images of all kinds. Right now, though, we need clarity on what is and isn’t acceptable – judges’ gut instincts aren’t enough. Otherwise, another controversy is sure to hit the headlines soon.   

‘Strength through Native drag:’ Indigenous artists don’t let discrimination stop them

By in Native

‘Strength through Native drag:’ Indigenous artists don’t let discrimination stop them

In recent months, state legislatures across the nation have introduced hundreds of laws targeting Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning plus communities, including several bills in Arizona.

Laws introduced directly impact the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people in various ways, from their freedom of expression and health care to public accommodations and civil rights.

This year’s legislative session in Arizona — with Republicans maintaining a narrow majority in both the House and Senate —  was full of discriminatory bills toward the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including measures to restrict drag shows, wipe out a student’s preferred pronoun use and limit school bathroom access.

Overall, lawmakers introduced 11 bills, and six passed the legislative process and made it all the way to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’s desk, where all six were swiftly vetoed.

If these bills were signed into law, they would apply to the majority of the state, but that would not include the 22 Tribal Nations in Arizona, since they are sovereign, with their own laws and regulations for their communities.

Seeing the influx of discriminatory legislation that could impact the 2SLGBTQ+ community was not surprising for Diné Drag Artist Lady Shug, because growing up on the Navajo Nation, they know what it’s like to have their rights limited as a 2SLGBTQ+ person.

“It’s not just the U.S. government; it’s also our tribal government,” Lady Shug said, pointing out that the Navajo Nation has no laws protecting its 2SLGBTQ+ people from hate crimes or discrimination or ensuring their right to marriage.

“It’s something that I’m kind of used to,” Lady Shug said because, within their community, they have to fight to be included.

Lady Shug said that existing as a 2SLGBTQ+ person is a form of resistance, and they hope that Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ people always remember that.

“You existing as a brown, beautiful, Indigenous, queer, trans, two-spirit person is your form of resistance, and nobody can ever take that away from you,” Lady Shug added.

The Navajo Nation has no laws devoted to anti-discrimination or hate crimes concerning Navajo 2SLGBTQ+ people living on Tribal lands.

The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission reported in 2016 that the Navajo Bill of Rights guarantees the rights of all Navajo citizens regardless of sex, and any entities that receive federal or state funding on the Navajo Nation must follow the anti-discrimination mandates.

The commission recommended that Navajo Nation leaders enact laws and policies to protect people regardless of sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.

In 2005, the Navajo Nation implemented the Diné Marriage Act, which prohibits same-sex marriage.

“For the Navajo Nation, there is no protection for same-sex couples,” Lady Shug said, and if they were to get married and live on the Navajo Nation, they would not be valued the same way as heterosexual marriages.

“Your marriage is not valid on our Tribal land,” Lady Shug said. “There’s no protection for us.”

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Seth Damon recently introduced Legislation 0139-23 that would repeal Title 9 of the Navajo Nation Code so that same-sex marriages are recognized within the Navajo Nation. Damon’s efforts come after previous attempts to repeal the act failed over the years, most recently in 2022.

“The prohibition against same-sex marriages does not uniformly welcome or support the well-being of all Diné,” Damon said in a news release. “The purpose of the legislation I’m sponsoring is to ensure that all Diné are welcome within the four sacred mountains and to recognize all marriages within the Navajo Nation.”

The legislation would also amend provisions within the Navajo Nation Code to conform with this repeal. Still, the traditional Navajo wedding ceremony method, involving a man and woman, would remain unchanged.

Damon signed the legislation on June 23, which will make its way through four committees before being heard before the Navajo Nation Council, which has ultimate authority on the bill.

At a state level, Hobbs has made it clear that her administration will not tolerate any legislation that attacks the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The Democrat has been a stalwart critic of anti-LGBTQ sentiment and has repeatedly vowed to act as a bulwark against discriminatory legislation. That commitment was reasserted on July 8 at an event hosted by civil rights and LGBTQ advocacy organizations to celebrate Hobbs’ actions.

“As long as I’m governor, the LGBTQ+ community in Arizona will be protected,” she announced to enthusiastic cheering and applause. “I will continue to use my veto pen as many times as I need to.”

Drag in celebration of Native women

Navi Ho has been a Diné drag performer for years, and they’ve performed at shows across the Phoenix area. They also make it a point to perform at drag shows hosted by Tribal Nations and in shows that feature Indigenous drag performers because they did not see Indigenous representation when they started out.

“There’s not many of us,” Navi Ho said of Indigenous drag performers. “But we are out there, and we are proud of what we’re doing.”

Navi Ho said they had seen an increase in Indigenous drag performers coming from different Tribal Nations, and they’re happy to see it because Indigenous representation within the 2SLGBTQ+ world is still minimal.

“It’s definitely inspiring people to be their authentic Native selves,” Navi Ho added.

Navi Ho grew up in the Phoenix area, but their family is from Tuba City, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. Growing up, Navi Ho never thought they’d see drag performers showcased on the Navajo Nation the way they have been in recent years.

“It’s a wonderful thing to see the growth,” Navi Ho said, and they’ve been invited back to the Navajo Nation as a performer multiple times, including in Tuba City.

“It’s definitely a growth from when I grew up,” Navi Ho said.

“I think it’s beautiful,” they said.

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When Navi Ho heard about the anti-drag bills introduced and passed in Arizona, they thought it ridiculous because that type of legislation was unnecessary.

“I think that the decision to make such a bill was based off of hate,” they said.

Hobbs recently vetoed two anti-drag laws, Senate Bill 1028 and Senate Bill 1030, which were approved by the Republican majority.

SB1028 bars adult cabaret performances, such as strip shows, from being held on public property or anywhere a minor may view them, punishing violations with up to a class 6 felony.

SB1030 mandates that city zoning officials issue permits and zoning regulations for establishments that conduct sexually explicit performances — which is already allowed under state law but not required.

Both bills were authored by Glendale Republican Anthony Kern, who called drag shows evil in previous debates and accused performers in family-friendly events of pedophilia.

The wording used to describe drag performances within the legislation is not something that Navi Ho is familiar with because it doesn’t portray their experience when performing in drag. Instead, they focus on building a connection with the people in the audience.

Navi Ho said they connect in a special way, and that makes them, as performers, feel better about who they are. That’s something lawmakers who create anti-drag laws will never understand, they added.

As part of their drag aesthetic, Navi Ho said they bring their culture and traditional wear to their performances. They don a wig that is put up in a Tsiiyéél, a traditional hairstyle where the hair is wrapped with wool into a bun.

Navi Ho said they incorporate their culture into their drag performances because it’s part of who they are. People recognize and understand when they perform on the Navajo Nation and other Indigenous communities.

When people see Navi Ho perform, they recognize that Navi Ho is celebrating Indigenous women.

“It’s like a wow effect,” Navi Ho said, making the experience amazing and beautiful.

Navi Ho said they’ve always gotten a positive response from the audience, including from elders and young people. This is why they don’t understand when lawmakers who don’t understand drag culture talk about it as something that is wrong or unacceptable.

“I don’t think that lawmakers understand what goes on in a drag person’s life,” they added.

‘Strength through Native drag’

Lady Shug is working to help more Indigenous drag performers showcase their art on a larger stage. They launched a drag show with an all-Indigenous cast called “La La Land Back,” and they’re currently on tour visiting different cities.

Lady Shug said they launched the tour this year alongside Two-Spirit Chickasaw performer Landa Lakes. The tour was featured at New York City Pride and the Smithsonian Museum in June, making them the first show to feature an all Indigenous drag cast at those venues.

“What we’re trying to do is trying to open doors, normalize Indigenous drag-ness,” Lady Shug said because Indigenous people are often forgotten when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. They’re rarely included in pride events or even mentioned in conversations surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.

“How is it that the first people of this nation are not a part of this conversation or invited to these festivals?” Lady Shug asked. Through this tour, Lady Shug said they’re trying to hold space for Indigenous communities within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Lady Shug said they wanted to be able to create this type of drag performance because they know what it’s like traveling three to four hours away from home to be able to perform in larger cities. They hope the “La La Land Back” tour will visit as many places as possible, including Tribal Nations.

“I want to bring drag to my people,” Lady Shug said, because for Indigenous people, especially elders and the youth, to see drag culture, it must be performed within their own community. If not, they would have to travel to surrounding cities off of tribal land.

With drag culture getting a lot of attention in mainstream media, Lady Shug said now is the time to show people what Indigenous drag performers are capable of.

Whether the tour is brought to a city or hosted on Tribal Land, Lady Shug said they make it a point to hire local Indigenous artists to perform — keeping the cast entirely Indigenous and local.

“This is our time to show our power and our strength through Native drag,” they added.

Lady Shug has always advocated for having the 2SLGBTQ+ community included in more events hosted within Indigenous communities. They said more often than not, organizers forget to include their 2SLGBTQ+ relatives when it comes to festivals, fairs or powwows.

“I’m trying to navigate it where it’s normalized that we’re included,” Lady Shug said, adding that people can’t say they’re Indigenous and traditional yet forget to include their 2SLGBTQ+ relatives.

“We existed before colonization, and we’ve always had roles,” Lady Shug said, and Tribal Nations have always had different meanings for 2SLGBTQ+ people in their communities.

This article was originally published by Arizona Mirror, part of States Newsroom. It is republished here with permission.

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