Meet Michael Anthony Hall | Writer, Curator, & Multi-disciplinary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Anthony Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Anthony, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m deeply inspired by the stories people carry and the passions that drive their motivations. One quote by Agnes Varda that I think about often is, “If you opened people up, we’d find landscapes.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the heart of everything I do, I’m a storyteller. My journey began with a now-archived blog (2018–2020), where I interviewed friends exploring their creative practices. That passion evolved into internships with editorial teams at various magazines, eventually leading to roles as a contributing writer, editor, and producer. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of spotlighting remarkable talents, including Amaarae for the cover of Office Magazine’s 20th issue and the legendary photographer Ming Smith for V Magazine’s 140th issue, among many others.

From small brand features in Highsnobiety to artist profiles in Latina Magazine, my pursuit is always the same: to craft stories that authentically capture where creative individuals are in their journeys while expanding on their archives. I aim for these stories to act as touchstones—not only for audiences to connect with or deepen their understanding of these artists, but also for the artists themselves to reflect on these moments, like a time capsule of their growth.

Interviewing artists and crafting these features is just one part of my broader creative ecosystem. This work intersects with my documentarian efforts as a photographer and filmmaker, where I explore themes of identity and existence. Inspired by these questions, I also channel my creativity into soundscapes and mixing—what my friend calls “creating space through sound architecture.”

One of the most fulfilling creative endeavors I’ve embarked on is co-founding the film collective Cine Apartamento with my partner, Ryan Luis Fuller. What began in our apartment as a space to curate and screen Queer and BIPOC+ stories has grown in scope, with collaborative events that expand the canon of what we consider great film. At its core, however, Cine Apartamento remains an intimate, community-driven project rooted in celebrating underrepresented voices.

Community profoundly fuels my creativity. Cultivating spaces for connection and shared exploration enriches every facet of my artistic practice.

Through this journey of actualizing my creative outputs—on levels that sustain me financially, emotionally, and artistically—I’ve held onto one fundamental lesson: you have to just do it. No one will create for you. If your message is urgent enough to be shared, you must bring it to life with whatever tools or means you have. Even if the vision surpasses your current resources, the act of expressing yourself will ignite a fire that draws connections, opportunities, and fulfillment to you. Creation is the spark, and the rest follows naturally.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Unfortunately, I don’t have the mental capacity to entertain someone for a week, but this is what I’d plan for a two-day hang.

Day 1
Morning-
Hōjicha from Damo in Koreatown
Head to Vista Hermosa
Afternoon-
Lunch from Be Ú in Virgil Village
Wander around Silverlake and Echo Park
Night-
Dinner at Dan Sung Sa in Koreatown
Soju from DGM Soju Bar in Koreatown

Day 2
Morning-
Late coffee at ilCaffè in Downtown
Murmurs Gallery to check out their last exhibition
Meander around the Arts District before lunch
Afternoon-
Lunch at Azay in Little Tokyo
Head to Other Books in Boyle Heights
Night-
Dinner at Zizou in Lincoln Heights
Wine at Barros Santos
(In bed by 11 pm)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been fortunate to have a community of people I deeply love and who inspire me, standing by my side as I navigate various projects and chapters in life. While my creative drive comes from within, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, nor hold the outlook I do, without the grounding, inspiration, and sense of being truly seen by those who know me best.

Website: https://www.michaelanthonyhall.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imichaelanthonyhall/

Image Credits
Michael Anthony Hall