Channel Iris
If you have been to Detroit, you will understand how unique this city is. Detroit is at a special moment in time, attracting big fashion houses, investors and corporate brands. This also creates big opportunities for artists and creatives. We talked to Ceena and Bryan from the artist collective Channel Iris, about how they use art as a weapon to create a new culture and their own radical expression.
Interview Christian Trippe Imagery Channel Iris
Hey Ceena and Bryan, thanks a lot for taking the time today to talk with us. For someone who doesn’t know Channel Iris, can you please describe what you do and where you operate?
(Bryan) Christian, thank you for having us. Channel Iris was founded to empower and strengthen underground artists through experiential events across multiple cities. Our events serve as initiatives to deconstruct oppressive ideologies that hinder radical expression in the arts and entertainment. While Detroit based, we share close ties with NYC and Berlin.
Your ‘tagline’, so to speak, is ‘Art, Culture, Revolution’ – what are you fighting for and who are you fighting with to create this revolution?
(Bryan) Radical expression. Before we discuss the tagline, I'd like to share with you our philosophy. In Latin, the alter-ego is defined as the ‘Other I’ or ‘True Self’. We refer to this creative self as ‘Iris’. We believe when you channel this altered state of self you tap into your true power, self and creative expression. However, societal constructs and criteria hinder this self-exploration, through systematic brainwashing, mainstream conditioning, cultural upbringing and religion. Using art as a weapon, we build a culture that share commonalities. We develop a progressive attitude to move forward and revolutionize.
“With mainstream media at an all-time high, constrictions have made it difficult for artists to speak up. Detroit gets overshadowed.”
Bryan
How many people are part of Channel Iris at the moment?
(Bryan) Since our brand launch in 2021, Channel Iris has worked alongside more than 40 artists and is growing.
(Ceena) The brand is still growing, but we consider anyone who has been a part of our events and experiences to be a part of the movement.
How can other people get involved?
(Bryan) Participating. A few ways, attending our events. Each event holds its own unique aspects while still being part of the same mission. Finding the activation / installation that resonates most with you and expressing interest. Attendees can connect with us during our events, through our website or directly with Ceena who works as our talent scout.
(Ceena) Reaching out and showing interest. We try to make room for anyone to see if their contribution and vision is in alignment with ours and fits.
What’s your own personal background?
(Bryan) I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. My parents are first generation Dominican and Puerto Rican. I moved to Grand Rapids Michigan at the age of 16. With culture shock at an all-time high and lack of creative diversity, I began to explore neighboring cities. My first time in Detroit, I felt a nostalgia. The infrastructures, pace and diversity reminded me of the Bronx. The difference was the sense of community I experienced here. For years, I would frequent Detroit, until I made the move in the fall of 2020. I grew up in the fashion world and spent most of my years pursuing an agency. Once signed, the contract was short lived. Standardized beauty and constructs were enough to make me step down from the industry and go independent. This helped spark ideas that eventually transpired to ‘Channel Iris’.
“My first time in Detroit, I felt a nostalgia. The infrastructures, pace and diversity reminded me of the Bronx.”
Bryan
(Ceena) I’ve always been naturally talented in event coordinating and planning, but the arts is something newer to me that I blindly dove into. Through meeting Bryan and having him invite me to be a part of the brand is how I personally found myself channeling my ‘inner Iris’ through my work.
You just recently had your 6th event and premiered your short film. Can you tell us more about it?
(Bryan) Yes. ‘Fuck Your Criteria’ served as our first campaign and film release. The campaign serves as an initiative to unleash radical expression and celebrate individuality. The film embodies the culture we have built during our events. The film explores the lives of Detroit underground artists battling societal constructs. In the film we highlight beauty standards, stigma around recreational drugs, status quo and the feeling of liberation when you decide not to give a fuck.
(Ceena) We had the idea last winter and shot the film earlier this April, so it’s been a long time coming and a lot of work in a somewhat short time span. The film itself was thoughtfully curated from the location to the characters involved and even the music. It’s different because it’s raw. It shows staples in Detroit with local Detroiters just being themselves, doing what they love. Like most films, characters and personalities are fabricated, but everyone is who they are in real life.
Your film just got selected to be shown at Burning Man this year. What does that mean to you and how does this affect how you reach people and spread your message?
(Bryan) YES. This was one of the biggest milestones for us. The goal is to get more people into Detroit. Sharing a piece of the city, amongst a community that breathes and lives radical expression. It’s like trying to convey a message on a deserted island with bad signal. Except the island is not deserted, it is full of opportunity and you want the rest of the world to know that the tribe is here. Burning Man attracts about 80,000 people each year. We hope to get the word out and attract more artists, brands and opportunities to Detroit.
(Ceena) The film being shown at Burning Man is everything! I was supposed to go, but had to cancel plans due to our event. I’ve actually never been, but it’s amazing to know that hundreds to thousands of people will set sight on our film, and the seed of what or who Channel Iris is will be planted in someone’s mind…even if only for a few minutes. Our mission and philosophy will be felt and heard spiritually from miles away.
Is it possible to watch the film online or at any other events soon?
(Ceena) The film will be available to view through Burning Man’s virtual Playa at the Videogasm Camp located in AltspaceVR during the festival, but it will also be available to watch online after the festival on our website.
Let’s talk about Detroit. It’s a very unique place with lots of history and I feel it’s a special time right now with great opportunities, especially in relation to art and design. What’s your relationship with Detroit?
(Ceena) I’ve lived here my whole life and I rep the fuck out of my city. I think all Detroiters know and love this city. There’s something magical about this place that you can’t quite put your finger on. I view it as a hidden gem that not a lot of people know about or are aware of...If you know, you know. The resilience and character of this city is unlike any other. I think that’s what makes it hard to leave, for me personally. Detroit is on the come up, and I want to be a part of it as it rises and witness its growth.
“I’ve lived here my whole life and I rep the fuck out of my city. I think all Detroiters know and love this city. There’s something magical about this place that you can’t quite put your finger on.”
Ceena
Can you tell us about what you are planning next?
(Bryan) To an extent ;) We are currently entertaining conversations around a Goth Fashion show and an underground event called Soul Clinic. People can subscribe and get notified for announcements.
(Ceena) We are planning on collaborating with another local brand in Detroit. They actually happen to be a very established and popular sex shop in the area that’s been around since the early 80s.
As for next year, I don’t want to share too much yet. We refer to the events we have in mind for next year as our ‘Big 3’. Three massive events we plan to have recurring annually, each one unique from one another.
Thank you and we can’t wait to see what you are doing next!
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