In this episode, host, artist, and educator James William Moore brings the lens inward — into the classroom, into the photograph, and into a national conversation on race, representation, and responsibility.

Building on a previous episode featuring Aneka Brown and the topic of cultural appropriation vs. appreciation, James reflects on what happened when he introduced Gordon Parks’ American Gothic to his art history students. Their reactions were raw, reflective, and deeply aware of the inequality embedded within one of America’s most iconic visual symbols: the flag.

Through student voices and Parks’ enduring image of Ella Watson, this episode explores how photography can be both witness and protest — and how the next generation is already seeing with clarity. This isn’t just an analysis of a photograph; it’s a reflection on who gets to define the American narrative, and what happens when we study the rightimages first.

Artwork Referenced"

Gordon Parks "American Gothic": https://www.loc.gov/resource/ppmsca.05809

Roy DeCarava: https://www.moma.org/artists/1422-roy-decarava

Carrie Mae Weems: https://www.moma.org/artists/7177-carrie-mae-weems

Latoya Ruby Frazier: https://www.moma.org/artists/47008-latoya-ruby-frazier

Tyler Mitchell: https://gagosian.com/artists/tyler-mitchell/

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Stay inspired with new episodes every week! Don’t miss out on deep conversations with artists, curators, and creators exploring the vibrant world of contemporary art.

Connect with Us:

J-Squared Aterlier (J2Atelier)
🌐 Website: J2 Atelier
📸 Instagram: @J2Atelier
James William Moore
🌐 Website: James William Moore
📸 Instagram: @the_jwmartist

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In this eye-opening episode of Lattes & Art, host James William Moore sits down with designer and creative powerhouse Aneka Brown to unpack the often-blurred line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional journey, Aneka shares insight into honoring cultural heritage through design, the responsibilities that come with representing cultures not your own, and the importance of listening and learning when creating art inspired by diverse traditions.

Together, they explore how artists and audiences alike can navigate this complex conversation with empathy, respect, and authenticity. Don’t miss Aneka’s powerful perspective on how we can move beyond stereotypes to celebrate cultural richness without exploitation.

Aneka Brown (Aneka Brown Designs):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anekabrowndesigns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558439646123

Shop the Designer Event at Macy's

July 26th & 27th, 2025

Macy’s Colonies Crossroads

1293 E. 19th Street

Upland, CA 91784

Send us a text

Follow & Subscribe to Lattes & Art
Stay inspired with new episodes every week! Don’t miss out on deep conversations with artists, curators, and creators exploring the vibrant world of contemporary art.

Connect with Us:

J-Squared Aterlier (J2Atelier)
🌐 Website: J2 Atelier
📸 Instagram: @J2Atelier
James William Moore
🌐 Website: James William Moore
📸 Instagram: @the_jwmartist

Leave a Review:
Love what you hear? Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback keeps us inspired. 🎙️☕

In this solo episode, I step behind the mic to share a personal reflection on creativity, commitment, and the quiet power of simply showing up for the work. Inspired by my own journey — including the creation of Madame B’s Tarot Readingsand its inclusion in the international art project Expo Metro — we explore how showing up, even on uncertain days, opens doors to unexpected opportunities.

One of those doors led to Madame B being included in the Expo Metro Art Tunnel in Barcelona, now on view until June 29th. This public art installation brings together artists from around the world, transforming city spaces into vibrant open-air galleries. You can learn more about the Art Tunnel project here.

Whether you’re an emerging artist, a seasoned creative, or someone wrestling with doubt, this episode is a reminder: showing up matters — and sometimes, it leads you all the way to Barcelona.

🌐Expo Metro: https://expometro.co/

🌐Barcelona Art Tunnel: https://expometro.co/en/exhibition/2025-barcelona

🌐Expo Metro Instagram

🎥 Video Podcast Version: YouTube

Send us a text

Follow & Subscribe to Lattes & Art
Stay inspired with new episodes every week! Don’t miss out on deep conversations with artists, curators, and creators exploring the vibrant world of contemporary art.

Connect with Us:

J-Squared Aterlier (J2Atelier)
🌐 Website: J2 Atelier
📸 Instagram: @J2Atelier
James William Moore
🌐 Website: James William Moore
📸 Instagram: @the_jwmartist

Leave a Review:
Love what you hear? Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback keeps us inspired. 🎙️☕