Smithsonian Brings Hip-Hop Forward in Pictures
New York, NY (February 26, 2008) – Maybe hip hop is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. is featuring a new exhibit called “Recognize! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture.” It will be on display through October 2008, and is the first exhibit in Smithsonian history to examine the influence of hip hop music and style on American art and culture, according to The Telegram (shout out!). Read more:
…”This exhibition features images of hip hop stars by 7 artists who have explored the hip hop phenomenon. Since its inception in the 1970s, hip hop has been arguably the most influential and popular musical form in America. Its popularity extends beyond the urban centers where it was born and pervades youth culture throughout the world.
The 7 artists include: David Scheinbaum, who has taken photographs of hip hop artists since 2000 both in concert and off stage, including such celebrated groups as Public Enemy, Blackalicious, Pharcyde, De La Soul, and Jurassic-5; Kehinde Wiley, who has done portraits of such hip hop artists as L. L. Cool J and Ice T, each based on a famous European or American painting from the 17th through 19th centuries; Nikki Giovanni, who wrote a poem, which is transcribed onto walls by artist Shinique Smith; and two graffiti artists based in D.C. who created 4 portrait murals for an installation, which also includes Jefferson Pinder’s 3 video self-portraits.”
Wow! All the pix are in flash and I wish I could post them here. Not sure how the Smithsonian feels about video cameras, but that gallery would make sick setting for a video…