An Atlanta-based artist has contributed her talents to this year’s Essence Festival in an exciting way.
Ellex Swavoni designed this year’s Crown Award — an honor presented by Dove and the CROWN Coalition in celebration of natural hair.
This is the third year of the Crown Awards, with recipients including Caroline Wanga, Creative Soul Photography, Michelle Miller, Lynae Vanee, Camille Friend, Quvenzhané Wallis, Jenifer Lewis, and Brittany Griner.
“The inspiration behind the Crown Award was the icon, that the CROWN Act create,” Swavoni told The Atlanta Voice. “The Crown girl with the beautiful box braids. I wanted to make sure that I did her justice and brought her into the third dimension, making sure that you can connect with that girl, and all her beauty and all her essence.”
Swavoni, who is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, is a self-taught sculptor.
Swavoni is an alum of TILA Studios 2019 Garden Fellowship class. TILA Studios is an art collective based out of Atlanta for Black women visual artists and Swavoni has previously designed a BET HER award through TILA Studios.
“This is an iconic moment for TILA Studios because it encompasses all that we represent and the impact that we are making, helping Black women visual artists excel,” said Tiffany LaTrice, founder and executive director of TILA Studios.
“I am extremely excited that one of our own was given this opportunity. This is what we prepare our fellows for, and to have them take part in arguably the biggest celebration of Black women’s culture is just the best opportunity someone can ask for.”
Essence Festival of Culture 2023 celebrated its 29th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of hip hop.
The festival’s concert lineup included several Black woman hip hop acts like Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lady of Rage, Yo-Yo, Trina, and Eve.