The Warrior of Hope

Sunday 29th June sees New York City celebrate Gay Pride with its annual Parade. The date marks the anniversary of The Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village on June 28 1969, widely seen as one of the most important events in the fight for civil rights of the LGBT community.
This year one of our favourite New York City Artists was commissioned to make one of the amazing costumes for the parade. Dmitry Byalik is an artist who works mainly with leather, specialising in moulding and manipulating it, making unique bags, accessories and art.
Dmitry was commissioned by Vladimir Rios to create The Warrior Of Hope, and after hearing the basic concept he used his visionary mind and creativity  to design and make an amazing costume incorporating a headpiece and cape, both of which feature moulded leather skulls. There are spiked arm and shin guards, rings and a unique neckpiece. The whole costume is  finished off with a ten foot tall Dream Catcher. All aspects of the piece are symbolic and enhance the message of The Warrior Of Hope.

Model Vladimir Rios conceptualized The Warrior, he wanted to honour those who preceded us and those who are currently involved in fighting battles so that we and future generations will be able to live in a peaceful, healthy, harmonious environment. He says, 'The Warrior Of Hope is in a battle against inequality, injustice and disease. He wears the skulls of death to commemorate those who are no longer with us to see the struggles continuing on the groundwork they wrought and any battles won.
In his quest to offer freedom of mind and heart to everyone, regardless of whom or what their beliefs are, The Warrior of  Hope spearheads the charge. The raven scans the horizon as the dream catcher filters the air for particles of hope for a better and just world.
We are one with nature. As such we must live in balance with our surrounding and each other to achieve harmony in the world.
Until that day the Warrior Of Hope will continue to raise his staff on behalf of us all.' There are many inequalities still facing us. Symbolically, Rios stands tall and wants us all never to lose hope for a better world.

Lester Blum, award winning photographer, captured the essence of The Warrior Of Hope. The photo shoot was designed to reflect the universality of the theme.While some issues may have a greater impact on a minority group, the issues usually have residual consequences to society as a whole. A magnificent location complimenting the concept was selected for the photographs. The mountain top was ethereal while offering a panoramic view of the vast expanse of the world. The raven could soar to all heights to help spread the message of hope.

In memory and honour of those who fought the good fight - You will never be forgotten.

The parade starts at 12 noon at 36th Street and 5th Avenue Manhattan. It will walk south turning west at 8th Street and will end in The West Village. You can watch the whole parade live on YouTube. Events are live via NYCPride.Org from 12.30

http://dmitrybyaliknyc.com/
http://www.lesterblumphotography.com/     
lbphoto18@aol.com
vladrios@gmail.com