Page 33 - Flaunt 171 - Summer of Our Discontent - St-John

From left to right: Jordan Firstman, Gurjot Narwal, Saybin Samone Roberson, Wang Yuchen, Douglas John Booth
sions” (such as Banana Bread’s Publicist) and “secrets”. His writing credits include Search Party, Big Mouth, and The Other Two. His acclaimed shorts currently available include Call Your Father (The Criterion Chanel), The Disguistings, Men Don’t Whisper, and Sold. Firstman penned a Consid- eration for us on page 218 concerning his aural experi- ences of last summer compared to the current one. As for what will he be doing next summer, when he’s allowed to choose? “Next summer I will have the covid vaccine cours- ing through my blood stream and be hugging strangers and eating at 16 restaurants a day” Instagram: @jtfirstman
Gurjot Narwal is the founder of Gini Health. He began his career as an engineer, but quickly switched gears when a close friend died of cancer at the age of 28. In researching ways to help people live healthier and longer lives, Narwal came across the work of Dr. Roger J. Williams, who devel- oped the concept of biochemical individuality in 1956, and challenged the notion that our health and nutrition sys- tems should be built for the “average” person (who simply doesn’t exist). Over 60 years later, Narwal was shocked to learn that no one had taken any action based on this re- search, so he developed a DNA-driven app and consultation brand, Gini Health. Narwal writes on page 220 about the unique stress of Covid-19, and what might help the process. As for next summer, when he’s not locked inside? “I’m going camping in Whistler, BC.”
Saybin Samone Roberson was born in the Midwest, but picked up her pen and moved to sunny Los Angeles in 2018. Since her arrival, she has written for Angeles Senti- nel Newspaper, REVOLT, LA Weekly, and Flaunt Magazine. In the summer of 2020, she launched one x three, a media platform that explores the mood, mind, and soul of Black and Brown creators and their art. Saybin interview hip- hop stalwarts Griselda on Page 94. Next summer when our wings aren’t clipped? “I’ll continue to further my craft, creating beautiful pieces that exuberate Black excellence.”
Wang Yuchen (meltingwang, b. 1990), lives and works in
Beijing. The artist’s work encompasses painting, design, moving images, and site-specific installation. With a pri- mary focus on context-generating practice. In 2015, the artist initiated a series of practices under the cyber avatar: meltingwang. Registering both the substantiality of life in the age of the Internet and the void between online and offline spaces, Wang’s works are not only doses of playful reflections, but also counter-forces of such status, including the recurrent topics of regimen and evolution in his recent practice. Wang received his BFA from the Florence Acade- my of Fine Arts and MFA from the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan. He created this issue’s Art Cover, an ephem- eral rendering from his sculpture, “WIFI-Flower Garden” which debuted at Beijing’s new X Museum on Page 124 this summer. As for next summer? Wang is looking forward to his first solo exhibition.
Douglas Booth most recently starred as Mötley Crüe’s bassist Nikki Sixx in the hit Netflix film, The Dirt. Douglas is also well known for his additional film credits including; Carlo Carlei’s Romeo and Juliet, where he played Romeo opposite Hailee Steinfeld’s Juliet, Darren Aronofsky’s Noah, Lone Scherfig’s The Riot Club, the Wachowskis’ Jupiter Ascending, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, The Limehouse Golem, Al-Mansour’s Mary Shelley as the poet Percy Shelley opposite Elle Fanning and Bel Powley and the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and BAFTA-nomi- nated Loving Vincent, a world first for animation, the fully painted film told the story of the final months and myste- rious death of Vincent Van Gogh. Douglas will next be seen in My Salinger Year alongside Margaret Qualley and Sigour- ney Weaver. The film opened the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival. Also coming up, Douglas will be seen in a supporting role in Terrence Malick’s upcoming The Last Planet. For this issue, Douglas sneaked behind the camera to photograph fellow actor, Bel Powley, his first official photographic editorial on page 58. As for an unencum- bered next summer? “Next summer I will be back on set rather than climbing through my flowerbed shooting Bel for Flaunt.”
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