2 minute read
CELEBRATING THE ART AND DESIGN OF HIP-HOP
by Valerie Smaldone
Last November’s Art & Activism event was set against the backdrop of the historic 50th anniversary of hip-hop, so the Division of Continuing Education at the School of Visual Arts explored the art and design of hip-hop, how this musical genre gave rise to street art, and how it eventually became a highly sought after collectible artform.
The accomplished invited speakers included Eric Haze, celebrated artist and designer; photographer Janette Beckman, who documented some of the earliest musical artists in the genre; Gil Vazquez, executive director of the Keith Haring Foundation; and Angel Ibanez, who photographed a famous video shoot during the heyday of hiphop. The evening began with celebrity DJ Tokyo Rose, whose music choices set the mood for a very special night.
The audience was moved, inspired and delighted by the information that was shared. Eric Haze showed how he rose from being a kid with a spray paint can to a sought-after designer. Janette Beckman, originally from the UK, shared how she was drawn to the hip-hop world in New York, and Gil Vazquez told stories about being the keeper of the Keith Haring flame, not only for his artwork but also to further causes important to Haring. Angel Ibanez brought his huge prints on stage, showing the audience what he saw behind the lens when he photographed the “Funky Beat” video shoot in 1986.
During the panel discussion, all the artists agreed that it was important to keep the flame of art and design going with future generations. ◆
IN MEMORY OF ANGEL IBAÑEZ, 1945 – 2024 (1974, ILLUSTRATION)
Artist, illustrator, photographer and dedicated SVA staff member for 30 years. SVACE was honored to have Angel participate in our fall 2023 Art & Activism event.
