“Self Preservation” install at The Standard Miami
The installation will be on view from November 30–December 7.
D’Puglia Go Where The Wind Takes You featuring “Self Preservation” Installation
ON VIEW: Nov 30 – Dec 7
@d_puglia_@designscene@thestandardmiami
40 Island Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139
Boys Who Swim — Zanzibar, 2021
There’s something magical about Zanzibar’s shoreline. These boys were out on a handmade boat just fishing, laughing, and flipping into the ocean like the sea was their playground.
I was waist-deep in the water shooting this, not caring for a second about my gear. Their energy was the personification of Black joy, innocence, and freedom.
In this series, my use of color blurs the line between surrealism and documentation—heightening emotion while honoring truth. The sunsets, the skin tones, the water all merge into a dreamlike palette that reflects how the moment felt, not just how it looked.
To me, these boys who carry the spirit of Zanzibar.
Prints are available to collect for a limited time.
I gave up my Brooklyn apartment in November after twelve years and stepped into a more nomadic way of living. It’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but it feels right for where I am right now in life.
I feel like I’m lowkey Japanese at heart, and I finally made the time to visit. I started in Tokyo, but I’m nature boy at heart.
That’s what led me to @treeful.treehouse . I came across it online, reached out, and it turned into more of a creative retreat than just a stay. I got a chance to create from within. No storyboard, just vibes and the sound of nature as a backdrop.
From the start, it felt thoughtful. Rola, Yuka, Hikari, and the team took care of everything without overdoing it. Simple things, like giving me a hat for the waterfall hike and having water shoes ready. It felt more like being hosted by friends than anything else.
There’s also Donna the goat. She runs the place in her own way.
Being out there reminded me why I like nature. It slows everything down. It gives you space to think clearly. Nature draws me closer to the Creator.
Every morning we had fresh bread that takes hours to make. The food overall was so fresh, with vegetables picked daily from a local farm. Simple BBQ dinners, some nights seafood, others straight vegetables. The food in Japan doesn’t miss.
The Tok Sen sauna by a waterfall was different at first but felt amazing once I learned to relax. We also did ATVs through the area. I didn’t drive. My friend Jeremy, who came with me, took the wheel and he was in element.
The treehouse itself is special. An artist’s dream for sure. There were about four livable houses and one more on the way, all with unique designs that fit the environment perfectly. One of the better places I’ve stayed.
Pictures don’t do this place justice. Thanks for all the love.
10 out of 10 experience. 🎥 @xxjmitch
I met @faithjaggernauth a few years ago at an event in New York and I’m not even gonna lie, she stopped me in my tracks. I knew I wanted to work with her one day.
Fast forward, the algorithm actually did its thing for once and showed me we were both in Trinidad at the same time. Random, but also felt like it wasn’t.
We linked up and ended up spending the day at Maracas Beach. Super easy day, just vibing, talking, taking it all in. Then she tells me this is the same beach she grew up coming to… and not even just as a kid, but her mom used to come here while she was pregnant with her. That kind of hit me different.
From her side, it wasn’t just a beach. It was tied to childhood memories.
So we both kinda looked at each other like yeah… we gotta shoot here.
Her grandfather and childhood friend helped bring the whole thing together too.
We wanted to honor her Indian and Black roots as a Trinidadian woman, so we leaned into tradition and shot her in bridal wear. It just felt right for the moment.
Since then, her grandfather passed.
And that’s what makes this whole thing mean even more now. I keep thinking about how he got to see her like that, on that beach, in that moment. That’s something you can’t recreate.
I’m just glad we got to share that. One of those days that felt bigger than just a shoot. 🇹🇹
This is one of my favorite moments from Black Voyage.
Early morning. We gathered the students for this overhead shot. No direction could match what they brought on their own.
PURE BLACK JOY.
For me, this frame says everything.
The youth. The spirit. The future already in motion.
Honored to share that the film is nominated for a Webby Award.
If the story moves you, I’d appreciate your vote.
How to vote: 1. Click the link in bio 2. Sign in or create an account 3. Search “Black Voyage | National Geographic” 4. Hit vote
Once you’ve voted, comment “voted” below.
Share this with someone who would feel this. Let’s push this story as far as it can go.
I wanted to share something VERY special.
My very first documentary, Black Voyage with National Geographic @natgeo , has been nominated for a @thewebbyawards . This is major!!!!!!!!!!!! 🥹🥹🥹
This year also marks 10 years of me documenting Black life around the world. What started as something personal has grown into something bigger than me! I truly appreciate all the love and support! Special s/o to the team! @xananbascir@joecavallini@by.shellc@tulanielisa@olimbamaracamp
If my work resonates with YOU, I’d truly appreciate your VOTE. 🗳️ 🗳️🗳️
How to vote: 1. Click the link in bio 2. Sign in or create an account 3. Search “Black Voyage | National Geographic” 4. Hit Vote
Please share as well!! Once you’ve voted, comment “voted”. Let’s continue to tell beautiful Black stories!! Let’s make this post go VIRAL! Repost, share, all the things!! 🙏🏿✊🏿
Photo Series: 868
A tribute to Trinidad Carnival. 🇹🇹🦴
I spent time in Trinidad leading up to Carnival learning about the culture and the people who make it happen. From pan, to fire breathers, to the making of the costumes. This series is my way of documenting the work, the community, and how a country expresses itself through Carnival.
Models
Kamron (@kamron.tt )
Seon(rojo_.hombre)
Kaylon (@kaylonalexis.music )
Kimani (kimani_tt)
Kymani (@liyah_30 )
Jimmy October @jimmyoctober
Aaron @est_ron_@_maiahhh@nailahblackman
Stylist & Producer: Keythos (@keythos )
MUA: @skinnedartistry
Costume: @losttribecarnival@carnivaltribe
I had the chance to spend some time in Trinidad leading up to Carnival. 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹
I went there to document it, but I also learned a lot just by being around the process. Seeing the work that goes into Carnival really changed how I look at it.
It’s easy to see it as just a big celebration, but behind the scenes there’s a lot of dedication. People working long hours building costumes, preparing the music, organizing everything. A lot of pride and craftsmanship goes into it.
I was grateful to not only document it, but to spend time with the people who make it all happen. It gave me a deeper respect for the culture and the work behind Carnival. Looking forward to sharing this series.
Special thanks to @jimmyoctober & @shotbycorri@keythos
Costume : @carnivaltribe@jprichardsontt
Stylist/Producer : @Keythos
Muse : @NailahBlackman
I’ve always loved showing artwork in public spaces and there is nothing more accessible than a bus stop. 🌀🐚 🌀🐚 🌀🐚 🌀🐚 🌀🐚 🌀🐚 🌀🐚 🌀🐚 🌀🐚
I was born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, so taking the bus and train was part of everyday life. Public transit wasn’t just transportation, it was culture. It shaped how I move through the city. So to now see my fine art living in that same space feels full circle.
That’s what makes this project especially meaningful. With King Cowrie, I get to place fine art in a setting typically reserved for commercial advertising. Instead of selling a product, I’m able to share my perspective on the beauty of us. The timing feels aligned. I’m stepping deeper into my path as a multidisciplinary artist, and this moment reflects that evolution.
The inspiration for King Cowrie traces back to a trip to Ethiopia in 2021. In Omo Valley, I encountered scarification for the first time, and those patterns became the foundation of the image. I was also drawn to cowrie shells, symbols of beauty, spirituality, and currency across parts of Africa, once holding monetary value while signaling status and power. I brought that vision to life with my muse, Ahmad Cissè from Senegal, creating a subtle bridge between East and West Africa within a single portrait.
To now see that layered story installed in my hometown of New York, as well as Boston and Chicago, is very special.
The exhibition is on view now until April 5th. I’ll add the link to the locations in my bio.
Thank you to @publicartfund & @jeneedaria for making space for this work. Muse @cixixix.night.skin Make up artist @michelawariebi MUA assistant Krystal Gems Producer @by.shellc video by @nineacrephotography
