Contemporary is an engaging documentary that delves into the transformative world of modern art, spotlighting three innovative UK-based artists: Denai Moore, Mr Cenz, and Bimini. Directed by Zaeem Asad and produced by Emma Raz, this film showcases how art profoundly influences our lives. By featuring Moore’s creative vegan Jamaican cuisine, Cenz’s cosmic graffiti, and Bimini’s groundbreaking drag performances, the documentary highlights the diverse ways art shapes contemporary culture.
Meet the Artists
Denai Moore: Transforming Cuisine and Music
Denai Moore, a British-Jamaican vegan chef and musician, is celebrated for her revolutionary take on Jamaican cuisine. Through her vegan supper club, Dee’s Table, and her 2023 cookbook, Plentiful, Moore reimagines traditional dishes with plant-based ingredients. Her culinary artistry is enhanced by her music, blending soul, folk, and electronic influences, demonstrating how food and music intersect to create impactful cultural experiences.
Mr Cenz: Graffiti that Speaks to the Soul
Mr Cenz is a pioneering UK graffiti artist whose career began in 1984. Renowned for his cosmic and photorealistic portrayals of women, his art features intricate shapes and flowing lines that evoke deep emotional responses. Mr Cenz’s graffiti, from street art to gallery exhibitions, exemplifies how graffiti can be a profound and transformative form of modern art.
Bimini: Drag Performance as Art
Bimini, a prominent drag queen and cultural icon, gained recognition as a runner-up on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2. Their influence extends beyond performance into fashion, including a London Fashion Week debut and collaborations with top designers. Bimini’s advocacy for non-binary and vegan lifestyles underscores their role as a transformative figure in the art world, challenging norms and inspiring creativity.
The Vision Behind Contemporary
Director Zaeem Asad brings extensive experience in commercials and documentaries to Contemporary. His previous work, including Katalina, explores communal living in northeast London. Asad’s storytelling expertise enriches Contemporary, capturing the emotional depth of modern art.
Executive Producer Emma Raz uses her 15 years in media and tech to craft the film’s narrative. Known for her podcast spotlighting female leaders, Raz’s strategic vision ensures that Contemporary not only showcases art but also advances representation in storytelling.
Art’s Boundless Influence
Contemporary demonstrates that art is essential to our lives, not a luxury. As Asad and Raz emphasize, “Art is everywhere—it’s in everything.” From fashion to architecture, creativity influences daily life and choices. The documentary highlights how art provides comfort and inspiration, especially during tough times.
The film conveys a message of hope and resilience, showing that despite challenges, perseverance and passion can lead to success. Whether through Mr Cenz’s graffiti, Moore’s culinary creations, or Bimini’s drag performances, Contemporary proves that art is a universal language that can inspire and uplift. It encourages viewers to appreciate the arts, stay determined, and believe in their potential for success.
Don’t Miss the Premiere
Catch the premiere of Contemporary, the documentary that explores the impact of UK-based artists, on GENB TV on 14th September 2024 at 8 PM UK time. Experience how these artists’ work influences and enriches our lives and see the profound effect of modern art.
