andre smith at wayne county community college district art gallery
Hip Hop Evolution: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop Photography
Detroit has a unique multicultural landscape that presents in everything from international culinary fare to its renowned musical catalog. Its deep, historically significant history is expressed through everchanging styles from Motown to Electronic. The city’s strong jazz roots combined with gospel and blues gave rise to the hip hop scene where Detroit-based photographer Andre Smith covered the trend with the Michigan Chronicle documenting 50 years of that golden era in over 55 images of its most famous, and sometimes Notorious, superstars.
Chuck D and Flavor Flav burst on the music scene as Public Enemy with a radical political message and socially conscious lyrics making them one of the most controversial and influential artists of the 1980s. Smith’s image is somewhat subdued but does carry their stage vibe.
This image records a moment between artists and lovers communicating pure joy in their craft as well as each other.
The exhibition offers a comprehensive timeline of the birth of hip hop to its Champagne era of the 1990s. Documenting pioneers like Dr. Dre to innovators like the Beastie Boys, this presentation narrates hip hop’s evolution and its particular relationship to Detroit.
On display are various accoutrement required to produce this distinctive sound including a Technics turntable I once owned myself. I gave it to my cousin’s son a couple years ago who’s become an aficionado of this style of music. I think I want it back.
Portrait photography is one the most common types of photography. Good portrait photography is something else altogether. The ability to capture the exuberance of a moment or describe a subject’s personality in one image takes an uncommon level of sensitivity and skill. Smith lands more in the vein of Annie Leibovitz than Helmut Newton or Diane Arbus, but no less able to deliver emotion, connection and energy.
On view through April 30th at WCCCD 801 W Fort Detroit
*images are mine (of Smith’s)
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Maureen Bunch
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
I love the range of art we get to consume through these pieces, thank you Kim! PS which cousin, do I know him? (Scotty I was thinking?) XXXX
Dear Kim: Thanks so much for a lovely Article. It is truly a fabulous exhibition and Andre Smith worked for over 40 years to capture many of these images. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!