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Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop
One perfect image can define a cultural moment. That’s how icons are born.
They say a picture’s worth 1,000 words, and that’s especially true of one of music’s most language-conscious genres: hip-hop. Contact High explores four decades of photography, from the late 1970s to today, documenting a revolution not just in music, but in politics, race relations, fashion, and culture. Through more than 170 iconic images of hip-hop's most influential artists (Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Queen Latifah, Tupac, and more) — including contact sheets that give us a rare glimpse into the creative process of a photo session — Contact High examines the evolution of hip-hop, connecting us with the experiences, identities, and places that have shaped the world’s most popular music genre.
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OPEN NOW
Exhibition Details
See how artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Aaliyah, Wu-Tang Clan, Sir Mix-A-Lot, and so many more defined themselves to the public.
Explore hip-hop throughout the United States, including the regional cultures that flourished in different parts of the US.
In addition to photographs, experience artifacts from MoPOP's permanent collection such as early rap battle fliers, Tupac Shakur manuscripts, Flavor magazines, and costumes from Sha-Rock, The Notorious B.I.G., and MF DOOM add to our understanding of hip-hop culture.
Exhibition made possible by the Annenberg Space for Photography + International Center of Photography. Curator Vikki Tobak, Creative Director Fab 5 Freddy. Based on the Book CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop by Vikki Tobak.
Become a MoPOP Member
Become a member today and get access to see Contact High free as part of your membership.
— Exciting Benefits of Membership —
• Come back and see Contact High and your other favorite exhibitions again and
again for free for the entire year of your membership
• Early access to tickets for opening weekends
• Join a community of passionate pop culture fans
• Support the important work MoPOP does in our community and more!
Events
In celebration of the Exhibit opening, we have an amazing series of events that will start in October and stretch well into November, which is Washington State Hip Hop History Month.
Through collaboration with community partners, talent featured in the exhibit, and local artists, guests will:
• Be introduced to (and celebrate) the amazing photographers that documented the rise and dominance of hip hop in pop culture.
• Learn how photography played a critical role in bringing hip-hop’s visual culture to the global stage.
• Learn about the cultural, societal, and artistic impact of hip-hop.
• Get to explore their own creativity as they join us for some Hip Hop inspired art activities.
Frame It: Photography Workshop for Beginners with Kariba Jack
Friday, October 29 | 6:00pm PT | Pay-What-You-Can
Join us on October 29, 2021 for the 'Frame It' photography workshop! During the workshop you'll learn about the basics of photography and be able to leave with the knowledge to create an image that is frame worthy! Kariba Jack is a hip and fresh Nigerian American photographer who loves capturing the now. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle to be exact she specializes in natural light photography with a bold and vibrant approach with her portrait and wedding clients. She's photographed many events and worked with celebrities including Trey Songz, Maya, Keyshia Cole, Wale, Common, Keri Hilson, Ne-yo and Tank just to name a few. Photography is not only her profession but her passion as well.
Paint & Sip with Claudia Villalobos
Friday, November 5 | Virtual | 6:00pm PT | Pay-What-You-Can
Paint a rarely seen photograph of megastar Megan Thee Stallion from the Contact High exhibition. Join us from the comfort of your home for a virtual Paint Night hosted by Claudia Villalobos.
Grab your favorite beverage, nod your head and tap your foot with every brush stroke as one of MoPOP's favorite DJs, the talented DJ Sir Juan joins us virtually to spin and scratch some of your favorite hits, features, and remixes on the turntables.
A pay-what-you-can ticket includes this livestream event with Claudia Villalobos and DJ Sir Juan and, contributes to MoPOP’s programming, education, and mission. Participants should also plan to purchase a kit of art supplies for $35 by October 29, or download a free tracing template utilizing paint and canvas supplies you already own.
About Claudia Villalobos
Born and raised in the 206, Claudia couldn't be any prouder of her PNW roots! She is passionate about introducing all Youth to the ARTS community and the possibilities of all art mediums. Claudia hosts Creative Art sessions for underprivileged youth and out-of-the-box thinkers to explore the possibility of incorporating art into their lives in hopes that it could be a positive outlet for our Future Youth. Her love of art encouraged her to create Glow Girls. Glow Girls is a nonprofit that empowers young ladies to express themselves through hands-on art activities, inspiring them to be creative in their own unique way.
Instagram: @claudiavdesigns
A WASHINGTON STATE HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION EVENT
A Conversation with Sha Rock: Mother of the Mic
Friday, November 19 | Virtual | 6:00PM | Pay-What-You-Can
Sha Rock began her career as a breakdancer (or b-girl) but made her name as a skilled MC and battle veteran. A member of the Funky 4 + 1, she is the first female MC to receive a record contract and is often referred to as the Mother of the Mic. The Funky 4 + 1’s 1980 hit “That’s the Joint” was named the greatest hip-hop song of all time by Rolling Stone. A Washington State Hip Hop History Month Celebration event.
Fab 5 Freddy's Playlist
To ready yourself for an intimate glimpse into hip-hop's history, check out this playlist curated by Contact High’s creative director, hip-hop pioneer, and the original host of Yo! MTV Raps, Fab 5 Freddy.
Exhibition made possible by the Annenberg Space for Photography + International Center of Photography.
Curator Vikki Tobak, Creative Director Fab 5 Freddy. Based on the Book CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop by Vikki Tobak.
Exhibition made possible by
