The final chapter of “Soar Beyond the Expected” brings together modern-day artists Emonee Larussa, Blue the Great and Sophia Victor to revive the historic band Little Paris.
NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac houses, proudly unveils the latest chapter of its “Soar Beyond the Expected” campaign, centered on the remarkable story of the prolific artist and pioneer of Black history , women and art, Loïs. Mailou Jones. In a new spot narrated by Martell partner and world-renowned musician, actress and artist Janelle Monáe, Martell highlights Jones’ legacy and work. Although widely celebrated today, in the post-war Paris, Jones only entered and received praise from American exhibitions under the guise of a white woman. Nearly 100 years later, Jones’ story and work serve as inspiration for Martell’s latest commitment to empowering and elevating the next generation of creatives.
Martell x Loïs Mailou Jones with Janelle Monáe
Credit: The Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust
Lois Mailou Jones was the oldest artist of the Harlem Renaissance who rose to fame while living in Paris during the 1930s and 1940s. Influenced by the movement, Jones created a Parisian-style salon upon her return to the United States, dubbed “The Little Paris Group”, where local black artists and students could flourish creative, hone their skills and exchange criticism. Often surrounded by influential identities such as presidents, world leaders and prominent figures like Langston Hughes, Josephine Baker And Carter G. WoodsonJones was a multifaceted talent who championed African American art and the Black diaspora throughout her decades-long career as a pioneering painter and educator.
On March 23rd has The Bishop’s Gallerya black-owned art gallery in BrooklynMartell’s Little Paris Group will fulfill the mission of Jones’ historic salon and resurrect the original Little Paris Group in 2023. The space will follow the same principles Jones established years ago, alongside mentors from traditional artistic disciplines and modern to produce a creative center that elevates artists and provides them with a sense of community and artistic advancement.
Featuring workshops led by leading artists spanning traditional and modern art disciplines, Emonee Larussa, Blue the Great And Sophie Victor, the space is designed to allow emerging artists to evolve artistically and personally as Jones intended. A selection of Loïs archives That of Mailou Jones artwork and artifacts, including pieces from his career and historical objects from the original Little Paris group, licensed from the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noel Trust, will also be on display for artists to draw inspiration from.
“As an artist myself, I am honored to join Martell in the rebirth of the Little Paris Group,” said Monáe. Pioneers like Jones paved the way for many women and artists who walk in similar shoes today. It’s important that we spotlight her experiences and her mission to build spaces, like her historic living room, designed to uplift and create dialogue to inspire the future of creativity. »
Since the creation of Martell, the cognac producer has pushed the limits of what is possible, embodied by a category first: Martell Blue Swift. As the first cognac house to ship its barrels to America in 1793, Martell is committed to driving positive change and celebrating those – like Jones – who boldly redefine conventions for the benefit of the many instead of conforming to codes that favor a few. With this in mind, the brand is investing in Janelle Monáe’s Fem the Future platform, as well as the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, to fund projects that continue to advance opportunities and education for BIPOC women.
“Like the “Swift” that adorns every bottle and flies more than 350 miles a day, Martell Blue Swift is designed for those who rise higher, those who – like Lois Mailou Jones – have redefined conventions and cultivated their own path in the face of adversity,” says Charlotte Rauxsenior brand manager, Cognac Martell at Pernod Ricard UNITED STATES. “Jones’ impact uniquely reminds us that Black History is an Important Part of Women’s History. By honoring and understanding this truth, Martell presents itself as a brand that celebrates Black history and inspires all women to go beyond what is expected. »
Today, despite this, Jones is historically recognized as the oldest artist of the Harlem Renaissance and her works have been acquired by several American museums. Jones’ teachings have endured as she remains an important role model for other African American artists.
Aspiring artists ages 21 and older in the tri-state area interested in the one-day-only workshops can learn more about how to apply for one of the limited spots by clicking here: www.MartellLittleParisGroup.com. To learn more about Martell or the Little Paris Group, visit https://www.martell.com/en-us or follow @martellusa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
ABOUT MARTEL
The oldest of the great cognac houses, founded by Jean Martell in 1715, Martell House is renowned throughout the world for the finesse and elegance of its cognacs, the fruit of a heritage of know-how passed down for nine generations. With a passion for his profession and a deep attachment to the land, Martell House is defined by the boldness with which it has pioneered new expressions – from the Martell Cordon Bleu icon in 1912 to the pioneer Martell Blue Swift Today.
ABOUT PERNOD RICARD UNITED STATES
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the United States and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, the second largest spirits and wine company in the world. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s main spirits include prestigious brands such as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whiskey, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village. Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey , Pernod and Ricard; premium wines like Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo and Brancott Estate; and exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines like Perrier-Jouët Champagne, GH Mumm Champagne and Mumm Napa sparkling wines.
Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As “creators of conviviality”, we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in the service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard UNITED STATES urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible consumption. For more information visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.
ABOUT THE BISHOP’S GALLERY
The Bishop Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Launched in 2012 by Erwin John and Stevenson Dunn Jr., Bishop Gallery aims to provide emerging and established artists with an intimate space to connect with their audiences and the ever-expanding public. Brooklyn artistic scene. We embrace all artists of varied cultures, genres, backgrounds and artistic means of expression. We hope to forge a lasting relationship with the artists who exhibit in our space and the surrounding communities. We believe that art can be a catalyst for bringing communities together and sparking conversations about change and development. Our goal is to provide the space where ideas that drive change are born.
SOURCE Martell
