Discover the dynamic intersection of hip-hop and graffiti art in this groundbreaking book, which brings together the compelling photography of Janette Beckman and a diverse array of graffiti interpretations curated by Cey Adams. Beckman, a British-born photographer now based in New York, captures the essence of the hip-hop scene with her iconic portraits. Having moved to NYC in 1983, she has photographed hip-hop legends such as Run DMC, Slick Rick, and LL Cool J, contributing significantly to the visual history of the genre.
The book features Beckman's powerful images alongside vibrant works from renowned graffiti artists including Crash, Futura, Lady Pink, Lee Quiñones, Queen Andrea, Revolt, Todd James, and Zephyr. These artists reimagine Beckman’s portraits, adding layers of graffiti-based creativity and street art influence.
Janette Beckman’s work has been celebrated globally, with pieces held in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and the Museum of the City of New York. She is also the author of "The Breaks: Stylin’ and Profilin’, 1982-1990" among other notable publications.
Cey Adams, a pioneer from NYC's downtown graffiti scene, has shared exhibition spaces with artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. Known for his role in the historic PBS documentary "Style Wars," Adams has significantly shaped the visual landscape of hip-hop culture as the former Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings and co-founder of its in-house visual design firm, The Drawing Board. His extensive work includes coauthoring "DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop" and designing "Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label."
This book not only serves as a visual treat but also as an important cultural document, highlighting the vibrant synergy between two influential art forms. It is a must-have for enthusiasts of hip-hop, graffiti, and contemporary art.
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