"RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture" was created in conjunction with a temporary gallery exhibition installed at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition opened on February 8, 2008 and closed on October 26, 2008.
The six artists and one poet whose work is included in "RECOGNIZE!" have approached hip hop culture through the lens of portraiture, and, in combination, their contributions highlight its vitality and beauty. Hip hop has inspired people throughout its history to use their minds and their talent to create something larger than simply themselves. Whether they have found expression DJ-ing, MC-ing, break-dancing, or art-making, hip hop has given voice and visibility to a new generation.
The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution tells the stories of America through the individuals who have shaped U.S. culture. Through the visual arts, performing arts, and new media, the Portrait Gallery portrays poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists who speak American history. The National Portrait Gallery is conveniently located at Eighth and F Streets, NW, in Washington D.C., above the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metrorail station (red, yellow, and green lines).
Museum Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily. Closed December 25.
Admission: FREE
For more information on visiting the museum, please visit the National Portrait Gallery's Web site.