PEOPLE
Over my many years there have been several people who have influenced my life, some philosophically, some politically and other creatively. I love to learn, especially new ways of thinking. I like to celebrate the people that have profoundly shaped my life, just a little insight into my personal journey and inspiring others to check them out.
Emma Goldman
Revolutionary and Political Activist
27 June 1869 - 14 May 1940
Emma Goldman was a prominent anarchist, political activist, and writer known for her advocacy of individual freedom, workers' rights, and social justice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Russia in 1869, she immigrated to the U.S. and became a fierce critic of capitalism, organized religion, and state authority. Goldman championed causes like free speech, women's rights, birth control, and anti-war activism. She was a powerful orator and writer, influencing radical movements worldwide. Despite facing imprisonment and deportation, Goldman remained a committed revolutionary, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for social and political equality.
Annie Leibovitz
Photographer
2 October 1949 -
Annie Leibovitz is a renowned American portrait photographer known for her dramatic, intimate, and often iconic images of celebrities, musicians, political figures, and cultural icons. Starting her career at Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s, she quickly became known for her distinctive style that blends artistic vision with storytelling. Leibovitz's work, including her famous portraits of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Queen Elizabeth II, and other influential figures, has been featured in major publications like Vanity Fair and Vogue. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with striking compositions and emotional depth has made her one of the most influential photographers of her time, redefining modern portrait photography.
Akala
Rapper, Author and Activist
1 December 1983
Akala is a British rapper, author, activist, and intellectual known for his thought-provoking music, sharp social commentary, and commitment to education. Akala rose to prominence with his articulate and politically charged lyrics that address issues such as race, inequality, and history. Beyond his music, Akala is a celebrated writer and public speaker, with his book Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire receiving critical acclaim for its powerful exploration of systemic racism and British colonial history. As the founder of The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company, he also promotes literacy and cultural education through the fusion of classical literature and hip-hop. Akala’s multi-faceted career and dedication to social justice have established him as a prominent voice in contemporary British culture.
Carl Sagan
Astronomer and Planetary Scientist
9 November 1934 - 20 December 1996
Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, astrophysicist, and science communicator best known for popularizing science through his books and the television series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. Born in 1934, Sagan made significant contributions to planetary science, including research on the atmosphere of Venus, seasonal changes on Mars, and the possibility of life on other planets. He was a passionate advocate for space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).
Noam Chomsky
Linguist and Political Activist
7 December 1928 -
Noam Chomsky is a renowned linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and political activist widely regarded as one of the most influential intellectuals of the 20th and 21st centuries. Born in 1928, Chomsky revolutionized the field of linguistics with his theory of generative grammar. Beyond linguistics, he is a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, corporate power, and mainstream media, often highlighting issues of social justice, human rights, and government propaganda. Chomsky's extensive body of work, including numerous books and lectures, has made him a leading voice in leftist political thought and a tireless advocate for freedom of speech and anti-imperialism.
Vincent Peters
Photographer
1969 -
Vincent Peters is a German fashion and portrait photographer renowned for his sophisticated, cinematic style that captures the elegance and emotion of his subjects. Known for his mastery of light and shadow, Peters' photographs often evoke a timeless, classic Hollywood aesthetic, characterized by striking black-and-white imagery. He has worked with leading fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and GQ, and has photographed some of the world’s most famous celebrities, including Charlize Theron, Penélope Cruz, and Emma Watson. Peters’ ability to create intimate and visually stunning portraits has made him one of the most sought-after photographers in the fashion and entertainment industries.
Valentino Rossi
Motorbike Racer and Sportsman
16 February 1979 -
Valentino Rossi is an Italian former professional motorcycle racer, widely regarded as one of the greatest riders in the history of MotoGP. Born in 1979, Rossi’s illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he won nine Grand Prix World Championships, seven of which were in the premier MotoGP class. Known for his charismatic personality, competitive spirit, and masterful riding skills, Rossi became a global icon of the sport, beloved by fans for his thrilling racecraft and memorable rivalries. His distinctive riding style, along with his flair for showmanship, made him a dominant figure in motorsport, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of riders. Rossi’s impact on motorcycle racing is profound, both as a competitor and a cultural phenomenon.
Marc Lagrange
Photographer
1957 - 25 December 2015
Marc Lagrange was a Belgian fine art photographer known for his sensual and elegant portrayal of the human form, often focusing on themes of beauty, desire, and intimacy. His work, which frequently included luxurious settings and classical aesthetics, was celebrated for its cinematic quality and attention to detail. Lagrange's photography often featured nudes and portraiture, blending elements of fashion and eroticism while maintaining a sophisticated and artistic approach. His distinctive style earned him international acclaim until his untimely death in 2015.
Hayao Miyazaki
Animator and filmmaker
5 January 1941 -
Hayao Miyazaki is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, widely regarded as one of the greatest animation directors of all time. Known for his imaginative storytelling, richly detailed worlds, and deeply humanistic themes, Miyazaki’s films, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke, have captivated audiences worldwide. His work often explores themes of environmentalism, pacifism, and the complexity of human nature, blending fantastical elements with deeply relatable characters. Miyazaki has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, making him a revered figure in both animation and global film.
Voltairine de Cleyre
Anarchist Writer
17 November 1866 - 20 June 1912
Voltairine de Cleyre was an influential American anarchist, writer, and feminist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for her powerful speeches and essays, de Cleyre championed individual liberty, free thought, and social justice. Initially influenced by individualist anarchism, she later embraced a broader anarchism that advocated for direct action and the abolition of all forms of authority. A fierce critic of capitalism, the state, and patriarchy, she also supported women's rights, education, and workers' struggles. Despite enduring poverty and ill health, de Cleyre’s passionate advocacy left a lasting impact on anarchist thought and social movements.
Peter Kropotkin
Anarchist and Geographer
9 December 1842 - 8 February 1921
Peter Kropotkin was a Russian revolutionary, geographer, and one of the most influential anarchist theorists of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into nobility in 1842, Kropotkin rejected his privileged background to advocate for a society based on mutual aid, cooperation, and the abolition of hierarchical institutions. He is best known for his works The Conquest of Bread and Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution, where he argued against the competition-driven views of social Darwinism, emphasizing that cooperation and solidarity are crucial to human survival. Kropotkin’s ideas on decentralized, self-managed communities and his critique of the state and capitalism have left a lasting impact on anarchist thought and social movements worldwide.
Salvador Dali
Artist
11 May 1904 - 23 January 1989
Salvador Dalí was a Spanish surrealist artist known for his eccentric personality, technical skill, and imaginative, dream-like works that have made him one of the most recognizable figures in 20th-century art. Dalí’s work often features bizarre, fantastical imagery, most famously seen in his painting The Persistence of Memory, which showcases melting clocks in a surreal landscape. Dalí blended a meticulous realism with fantastical, often bizarre subject matter, exploring themes of time, subconscious thought, and distorted reality. His flamboyant personality, iconic mustache, and love for shocking the public made him a celebrity, while his groundbreaking contributions to art, film, and design left an indelible mark on the world of surrealism and beyond.