Hip Hop In Retrospect
A Message Beyond The Music
Objective
The hip hop movement was conceived on the premise of free thought, rebellion and creative expression. Through the medium of music, this movement gave voice to a community historically labeled and often silenced. Subsequently, with this voice came a global kinship that would incite cultural pride and redefine the notion of “urban” forever. No longer did the term simplify or identify a specific group of people or their limits to greatness. The “new” urban, would emerge to transcend the limits of race and encompass a vast and multicultural network of ideas, like minds and ambitions with a common agenda of peace, unity and achievement. The objective of Hip Hop In Retrospect is to “now” redefine the notion of urban artistic expression in the same fashion. Through this exhibition we aim to offer an alternative language of the Hip Hop movement, which flows beyond “Beat and Rhyme”. Through the canvas, Hip hop in retrospect examines the social, political, cultural, excess and misogynistic perceptions, which create the ever-changing face of the controversial Hip Hop culture. With an advent garde approach to these subject matters, the exhibition seeks to initiate an open dialogue and appreciation for alternative urban artistic expression, while offering a nouveaux perspective into the creative voice and potential direction of the movement.
Rationale
In the broad scheme, the canvas is virtually uncharted territory for urban expression. The presence of urban visual arts, are relegated to historical or stereotypical imagery with a few exceptions far and few in between. Understanding the unlimited potential of urban artistic expression, I have attempted to create an exhibition that finds a place where African American perspective, pop culture and Fine Art meet. I offer this proposal with the hopes of ushering in a renaissance of the now “dormant” urban visual arts movement. The significance of this exhibition reiterates the infinite possibilities of urban expression while initiating a dialogue that moves the culture and its voice forward to bring the possibilities of new horizons into view.
Vision
The vision of Hip Hop In Retrospect is to aid in the development of positive communities by promoting academic excellence and encouraging creative expression through the arts. In the efforts to broaden the message and image of the hip hop movement, it is our goal to use “Hip Hop In Retrospect” as a tool of education, by initiating “The All Students In Initiative”. This initiative would allow sponsorship for 500 students of area schools, in underserved communities, the opportunity to visit the exhibition at participating art institutions. In doing an alternative perspective of urban expression can be reinforced, while incorporating “some” relevant art education to students who are left otherwise unexposed.
Hip Hop In Retrospect The Exhibition:
Hip Hop In Retrospect intends to be a traveling exhibition which seeks to offer an alternative perspective into the creative expressions of the Hip Hop movement.
In the spirit of the genre, the goal is to hold an exhibition in the cities most significant to the Hip Hop Movement (i.e. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New Orleans,
Washington D.C., Atlanta and Houston)
In each of the seven hosting cities the exhibition will
consist of a similar tentative social and entertainment itinerary:
Venue: Contemporary Art Center or Museum of Fine Arts in respective host city Installation Duration: 6-8 weeks
Visual Exhibition- The initial installation will consist of the 10 principle pieces along with the works of 4 fellow native artists to be showcased. These works reflect a range of social and cultural issues while paying tribute to the artist and pioneers of the Hip Hop movement. During the viewing hours of the exhibition the installation should be complemented by a soundtrack of inspirational and significant hip hop compositions which have inspired the works.
Commencement Ceremony held in each hosting city An official commencement of the exhibition will be with a private reception, and live performances by native musical artist.
The following works were created by fine artist Janetha Richard, a New Orleans Native and self taught urban expressionist. Her multifaceted work, are inspired by anything from music to fashion, literature to the social conscience of American culture. Influenced by the works of Bearden, Dali, Barnes and Picasso, to name a few Her style is vintage in spirit, while translating a unique story. Her work has been featured on MTV Cribs, In the New Orleans Essence Fest, The Jazz and Heritage Music Festivals, and has been acquired by an impressive itinerary of respected private collectors. Through an avant garde’ approach to traditional subject matter; she achieves a fresh and bold, signature style. A style defined by attention to detail and a clear concept of design.
The following works will serve as the staple pieces of the Hip Hop In Retrospect exhibition
“Hip Hop In Retrospect" 40"X60" (2005) Oil on Canvas
With this work the artist explores her love of Hip Hop The purpose of this piece is to initiate an examination of the mental make up of this urban based male dominated business. With an array of symbolism the abstract figures reflect the world of misogyny, sex, money and excess. the layers reveal there’s always something there to be discovered, as the reflection revels a sense of self censorship.
“Hip Hop In Retrospect" “Haute Le femme' " 40"X60" (2005) Oil on Canvas With this work the artist again explores her love of Hip Hop How ever from the female perspective.
" Mademoiselle" 40"X60" (2005) Oil on Canvas Inspired by the Kanye West & Jamie Foxx musical collaboration "Goldigger" this magazine coveresque work captures the Video Vixens/ models/actresses eagerness for fame. The background quotes describe her vague intentions.
" Caviar Dreams" 40"X60" (2005) Oil on Canvas the subject matters of fame and fashion are approached with a touch of Haute Couture
“Untitled" 40"X60" (2005) Oil on Canvas With this work the artist attempts to captures the creative essence of Missy Elliot
“Change Has Come” 60”X120” Oil on Canvas A celebration of president elect Barack Obama
“International Player" 40"X60" (2005) Oil on Canvas With this work the artist addresses the monetary influence the musical genre has worldwide, with the use of world currency symbols