My friend Kalissa would finally be launching her Jewelry line Hyper Ghetto this coming friday.
Hyper Ghetto began when Kalissa Cherish set out to photo document life in America’s hardest hit economy, Detroit MI. Kalissa expresses her subjects as no less than modern icons, heroes, warriors and survivors. Individuals who have maintained energy amongst rapidly declining social services, omni-present violence, economic in formalization and hyper-incarceration, all conditions of a hyperghetto. Kalissa’s interest in street culture became evident in her jewelry design, as she began creating handmade silver medallions and even taught herself how to make grillz. In close examination of a culture she was often criticized for celebrating, Kalissa took social responsibility by intertwining her photography and jewelry talents to create Bling Back, a movement designed for the next generation.
Beginning in January 2010, Hyper Ghetto’s Bling Back Movement will be donating jewelry proceeds to help fund community proposed projects within a social design firm, Live With Design. Live With Design establishes a place to collaborate on ideas, learn entrepreneur skills and act on social improvement. By partnering with Live With Design, Hyper Ghetto’s Bling Back Movement aims to transform the excessive bling culture with a sustainable one, based on community and collaboration.
Join the Hyper Ghetto Launching Party Friday, January 15th at Post Factory. Post Factory, a film editing studio in New York Cities West Village, is located on the fourth floor of 233 Spring Street, NY, NY 10013. Gallery viewing is from 7pm-9pm, with an after party from 9pm-12am.
