NEW YORK: The Grand Cypher

Hip Hop, Iran & Syria

Curated by Julie Ashcraft

April 24 – May 24, 2014

Opening reception: Thursday, April 24, 2014, 6:00 to 8:00pm

RUSH ARTS GALLERY

526 West 26^th Street, Suite 311

New York, NY

From facebook.com/events:

This exhibition explores the geostrategic and cultural diplomacy aspects of hip-hop. Handwritten lyrical poems, paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos by Iranian, Syrian and American, Canadian and British artists Tammam Azzam, Alonzo Brown (the original Mr. Hyde), Caitlin Cherry, Farid Farlek, Humans of Tehran (artists collective), Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi, Immortal Technique, Kinetics, Kim Noble, Shahpour Pouyan, Rakim, Sadra Shahab, Elias Shalhoub, Sham MCs, Spiritual Mic, Siavash Talaei, Francis A. Willey, Fred Wilson, and Ehsan Ziya (Atour) are included in this exhibition in addition to music videos by outstanding rappers from Iran, Syria and the USA.

Hip-hop began in New York City and has taken root in Iran & Syria. Now hip-hop comes back to our shores refreshed with a wider point of view, long poetic history context –– and sometimes a Middle Eastern 6/8 beat. In the meanwhile some Hip Hop artists here in the U.S.A. have also been paying close attention to foreign affairs, international cartels, ancient history, human rights, and social justice. This is reflected in their lyrical poems and songs. 

Exhibit Details