Holy Hip-Hop!
[Feb02]
Art, Hip Hop
Icons from the world of hip-hop music will be the subject of an extraordinary exhibition of portraits by Russian-born American painter Alexander Melamid, the outspoken artist who once had his work dismantled and bulldozed by the Soviet government. Holy Hip-Hop! New Paintings by Alex Melamid will be on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit from February 8 through April 20, 2008. Holy Hip-Hop! marks the first-ever solo show for Melamid, who is world-famous for his collaborative partnership with fellow Russian-born artist Vitaly Komar. A fully-illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibition.
The life-size portraits of twelve icons of hip-hop culture capture the larger than life personas embodied by these men, who are among the wealthiest and most influential individuals of our time. Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Common, Kanye West, Reverend Run, Duke, Lil Jon, Don “Magic” Juan, Whoo Kid, Marc Ecko and Russell Simmons are portrayed by Melamid as they are in life ‚ serious, ambitious, powerful and compelling. The twelve, dressed in their everyday clothes, are rendered with Old Master style and quality, providing a provocative visual context and an association with masterpieces of the past. In these paintings, Melamid explores art, power and commodity, as well as displaying the wit that has long elevated his work.
That pic of Kanye LOLOLOLOLOL
Woow! I wish that exhibit rolled down to LA. I think it’s great that hip hop culture is being represented (in a way) on canvas.
cool… but kinda creepy :-\
The show has traveled to Los Angeles.
Forum Gallery
8069 Beverly Blvd (cross street Crescent Heights)
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-655-1550
From Sept. 12-Nov. 1, 2008