Many art enthusiast would agree that art is objective. As we know, a persons perception on life and feelings will dictate how they observe things, this is the main reason why many of us appreciate art. For that very moment, we enter the mind of the artist.
With that being known, you could imagine the type of installation that is on display at Pioneer Works, entailing Fred Brathwaite aka Fab 5 Freddy Afro-Greco and the impact he had on Hip Hop culture.
If people are not familiar with who Fab 5 Freddy is, then you should reconsider even reciting any Drake or Migos lyrics and get to the history books!
Fab 5 Freddy became the very first host of the trailblazing first internationally known Hip Hop music video show Yo! MTV Raps. Yes children, we actually had TV shows dedicated to just music videos. During this time, Hip Hop was just emerging and Fab 5’s face became a staple that people associated with Hip Hop and the underground creative scenes.
Having this bit of background information on Fred, it would make perfect sense on why Pioneer Works wanted to celebrate him and his contributions to the art scene along with Hip Hop. And who better than Greg Tate, who is known to be the Godfather of Hip Hop Journalism to lead a conversation about the exhibit.
The Afro-Greco series is not only comprised of Hip Hop culture, it is also made up of Greek urns, African mask and objects that appeal to him at any given time. What makes each piece unique is the idea that some pieces are remnants that he photographed digitally mutilated and reconnected.
The display is on display till April 23rd so make sure you stop by and get the chance to travel through Hip Hop history through the eyes of Fab 5 Freddy.