AUSTIN, Texas — (CultureMap Austin) Hip hop is about a lot more than beats, and despite the persistence of legend within the genre, it’s under-canonized in official collections. Miami’s Museum of Graffiti addresses that gap, calling itself “the world’s first Museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of graffiti art.” Austin will get to see the unique collection from March 10-28 at a pop-up to celebrate the 50th “anniversary” of the genre.
A grand opening during the weekend of March 10-12 coincides with the opening weekend of South by Southwest (although there does not seem to be an official relationship between the two). The festivities will include music programming, live art, fashion, complimentary drinks, panel discussions, and more.
“Many people around the world are celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop by placing an exclusive emphasis on the music,” said curator and co-founder Alan Ket. “However, hip hop is a movement with great cultural contributors across many creative disciplines, including graffiti. From Joe Conzo who photographed the early Bronx jams to Cey Adams who art directed many of the world’s biggest records including Public Enemy and The Notorious B.I.G.; There is no better time to celebrate their genius than in Austin during one of the largest annual cultural events in America.”
All this will be housed in one of the nondescript 6th Street buildings bordering I-35 (809 E 6th Street). West Chelsea Contemporary, a local gallery in Austin, plans to spruce up the walls on the building’s busier side in collaboration with Austin graffiti artist Sloke One and Los Angeles graffiti pioneer Risk (stylized RISK), in murals that will be painted live starting on February 25. Both have works at the gallery, separately from the museum’s arrival.
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