When most people hear the name Fab 5 Freddy, they might first think of Blondie’s Debbie Harry giving him a shout-out in their song “Rapture.” Of course, as the original host of Yo! MTV Raps, Freddy helped introduce rap music to millions of viewers around the world. But long before that, Fred Brathwaite — a he was born —was an influential figure in New York City’s downtown art scene, moving effortlessly between graffiti culture, contemporary art, music, and film. His painting The Return of God to Africa (1984) is a vibrant reminder that his creative vision extends far beyond music.
Artist Tom Sachs’ Boombox Retrospective, 1999–2016 at the Brooklyn Museum showcased the artist’s innovative reinterpretations of the Boombox, a cultural icon of 1980s hip-hop and street culture. The exhibition featured eighteen sculptures crafted from everyday materials like plywood, foamcore, duct tape, hot glue, solder and wires, transforming the museum’s glass entryway, the Rubin Pavilion, into an immersive sound environment. Art! Continue reading Tom Sachs’ Clusterfuck Boombox Sculpture→
The Bucket Hat is more than just a piece of headwear — it’s a cultural icon. This article will explore the history and significance of the bucket hat in pop culture: from its humble beginnings to its current status as a fashion staple, you’ll learn about the key moments that defined its rise and why it remains relevant today. Continue reading The History and Significance of the Bucket Hat in Pop Culture→
I’ve lived in this east village neighborhood for over 30 years, and I don’t recall ever seeing a public artwork at the corner of 14th Street and Avenue A, let alone anything as monumental as this Beastie Boys mural by the legendary Shepherd Fairey. I first noticed the mural at 7:00 AM on the morning of October 4th as I approached the L train stop. This is what it looked like on that morning: Continue reading Posse In Effect Beastie Boys Mural By Shepard Fairey→
Art By CES, AKA Robert Provenzano (All Photos By Gail)
Do you like Street Art? I Sure do. Whether you’re already an avid fan of street art, or are just curious, and open to getting schooled on the evolution of this rather phenomenal genre of pop culture, you have through the final weekend in September to immerse yourself in an ambitious, but temporary, street art museum called Beyond the Streets. Continue reading Explore The History of Graffiti and Street Art At Beyond The Streets NYC!→
