Museum of Graffiti, the leading contemporary art museum in Miami’s Art District of Wynwood, is celebrating a milestone anniversary of 5 years on December 4 – 6, 2024 with a hand-selected group of partners guaranteed to serve up an experience in culture that Miami has never seen.
Highlights include panel discussions, live performances, limited edition releases, and culinary experiences curated by CookUnity. Don’t miss the private collectors’ preview, a public opening featuring Rahzel, and a thought-provoking panel on “Global Hip Hop Culture Born in Miami.” Additional activities include live tattooing, single-line portraits, rap battles, and exclusive listening parties.
In line with its mission to share the power of expression, spark wonder, and inspire creativity for and about the graffiti art movement, Museum of Graffiti has tapped Rolling Loud for an official partnership guaranteed to pair audio with the visual art that spans 3 different exhibitions in separate buildings that are all connected via an interactive patio that will be home to the Spotify Artists’ Lounge. The three solo exhibitions are CEY ADAMS’ Departure: 40 Years of Art & Design, TRISTAN EATON: Women of Marvel, and SLICK: MIA.
This milestone event showcases the evolution of graffiti art while celebrating the Museum’s mission to inspire creativity and highlight graffiti’s cultural significance.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Private Gallery is excited to announce the opening of “Urban Latino,” a vibrant and powerful exhibition showcasing the dynamic world of graffiti and contemporary art from across Latin America and the United States. Presented by Lalo Tequila and guest curated by renowned artist Joan Jimenez, professionally known as ENTES, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Latin American regions through the eyes of visionary artists.
Graffiti, often viewed as a rebellious art form, finds its most profound expressions in Latin America, serving as a canvas for storytelling and cultural commentary. The artists featured in “Urban Latino” have a history of democratizing art by creating masterpieces on public walls, making their work accessible beyond traditional galleries and museums. This exhibition brings these artists’ private studio creations into the gallery, blending bold colors and striking imagery to address themes of identity, resistance, and unity.
Visitors will be transported from the bustling streets of Lima to the vibrant neighborhoods of Bogotá and even to the local scenes of Hialeah, experiencing the energetic spirit of Urban Latino. The exhibition not only celebrates the remarkable talents of contemporary artists but also honors the enduring legacy of Latin American pioneers in the graffiti art movement. Featured artists include trailblazers such as Lady Pink,John “CRASH” Matos, Erni Vales, and Carlos “Mare” Rodriguez, as well as a new generation of Miami-based talents like Ras Terms, Entes, Vic Garcia,Gustavo Oviedo, and Jenny Perez.
On May 11, 2024, Wynwood will become home to a brand new luxury art gallery from the founders of Museum of Graffiti. The gallery will open in a 3,700 square foot converted warehouse space located at 2521 NW 3rd Ave., adjacent to the Museum of Graffiti and its sister exhibition space the Art of Hip Hop.
The gallery, once located around the corner from its new flagship location, was originally dubbed The Private Gallery as it started during the COVID-19 pandemic as a place for friends, family, and members of the Museum to collect art in a safe, private environment. The Private Gallery quickly earned a long list of celebrity clientele from Quest Love and Diplo to Miami’s own Pitbull because of its intimate nature and rare selection of original post-graffiti works. The gallery represents a diverse group of global contemporary artists who use a wide array of mediums and styles to create the work displayed. The inspiration and aesthetics of the artists differ greatly from one another, yet their backgrounds remain completely in the same vein: each artist has used the streets as a canvas for artistic output at a very early age.
In its opening exhibition entitled Graffiti Abstraction, the inspiration of the art ranges from Miami-based artist Gustavo Oviedo’s fascination for the Biscayne Bay to Los Angeles native Saber’s portrayal of the flashing lights he sees while experiencing grand mal seizures. Curators Allison Freidin and Alan Ket have traveled the world, attending museum shows and studio visits to select the artists for the inaugural exhibition which will include original works on paper, canvas, wood, and in sculpture form. Other artists in Graffiti Abstraction include MadC, Marti Sawe, Kaves, Niels Shoe Meulman, Sen2, Rime, Boris Tellegen, and Jel Martinez. The gallery will retain a “private” section that will house historical examples of works by the masters of the genre including Futura2000 and Rammellzee.
“We are honored to be bringing the most elevated form of the genre to the heart of Miami. Our growth over the past 4 years is not unique to us—the entire culture is bursting at the seams with innovation, and new opportunities as top level brands and collectors have poured millions of dollars into a once shunned art form. The old narrative that street artists are gang members has been flipped on its head to street artists becoming internationally celebrated geniuses. We are beyond grateful to our partners at Paso D’Oro for helping us take the gallery to the next level. This is a huge moment for the entire community and they made it possible.” said Allison Freidin, co-Founder of The Private Gallery.
The Grand Opening of The Private Gallery is by invitation only, and will give VIPs the first look at the new collection along with the opportunity to taste Paso D’ Oro Wines. Each bottle of Paso D’oro is sourced from the rich vineyards of Paso Robles, CA where the brand is renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Each pour truly embodies the essence of creativity, living up to its stunning blue and gold packaging.
A portion of the proceeds from art sales at the VIP celebration being donated to The Erika Ender Heartlight Foundation. Erika Ender, most known for her extensive catalog of awarded hits, including the global sensation “Despacito,” has long been a prominent philanthropist, especially in her native Panama. Her significant charitable work, including her notable TalenPro Project, has impacted over 40,000 individuals and earned a Guinness World Record. Her new foundation now extends her philanthropic reach to the United States in support of children’s rights, education, and nutrition.
The Museum of Graffiti proudly announces the launch of “Sneaker Stories,” presented by Modelo, a groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the historical ties and cultural relationship between graffiti and sneakers. Starting in Miami on April 20th, this exhibit will travel through Atlanta (May 31, 2024) and conclude in Washington, D.C. (Aug 2024). *Specific details about the Grand Opening of the Miami exhibit can be found at the bottom of this document.
“Sneaker Stories” explores the historic and ongoing synergy between graffiti art and sneaker culture. It highlights seminal crossover collaborations between graffiti artists and commercial brands, focusing on sneakers from 2003 to the present. The exhibition features art and rare sneakers by some of the world’s most iconic artists within the genre, including Futura, Rammellzee, Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Claw, Faust, and Miami’s own Abstrk.
The show highlights how sneaker companies have leveraged the talent and rebellious nature of the graffiti community to create limited-edition, highly converted footwear that can sell on the secondary market for upwards of $20,000. The exhibition also highlights how sneakers have transcended their original purpose, becoming integral to the fabric of urban culture and art.
“Through ‘Sneaker Stories,’ we aim to celebrate the artists who have transcended the streets to appear inside the biggest companies in America like Nike, Reebok, and Adidas, only to then influence countless others along the way,” says Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti.“We’re thrilled to partner with Modelo to bring this unique cultural exploration to life, inviting audiences to uncover the stories behind the art and the artists who’ve left an indelible mark on both the graffiti and sneaker worlds.”
At the Museum’s first unveiling of the exhibition in Miami on April 20, 2024, veteran Miami graffiti artist ABSTRK will be hand embellishing his own new brand of sneakers called VRTX Lab. ABSTRK will then join artists Claw and Cey Adams, who will be present for signings, to greet fans and discuss their personal journeys designing sneakers. This discussion will be the first of many “Fighting Spirit Stories,” a talk program led by Modelo that highlights exceptional individuals who embody the Fighting Spirit. All visitors will also have the opportunity to personalize their own sneakers with colorful new laces, charms, buckle plates, and more at Modelo’s complimentary sneaker customization bar.
This Art Basel Miami week, the Museum of Graffiti is set to release three exclusive collaborations with today’s top artists. These highly anticipated drops will each take place inside the Museum’s world renown gift shop prior to being made available online.
Kicking off the week on December 6 is the MOG x Atomik Umbrella release party, presented by Only In Dade, starting at 3:05 PM. This event celebrates the collaboration with Adam Vargas, aka Atomik, the mastermind behind Miami’s iconic smiling oranges that have become symbols of the city’s dynamic street culture. The Atomik Umbrella, limited to 300 pieces and priced at $25 USD, will also be available online starting December 7 at 12 PM. Pre-registration for this unique release is open and can be accessed here.
The excitement continues on December 7 with two highly anticipated drops. At 11 AM, the museum will release the limited edition OSGEMEOS Skate Deck, featuring the work of Brazilian twins Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo. Known for their profound impact on the art world, the Pandolfo brothers grew up in São Paulo’s Cambuci district, where they were inspired by the introduction of Hip Hop culture in Brazil. With only 300 pieces available at $150 USD each, this deck is a collector’s dream. Those interested in this exclusive release can pre-register here, and an online release is scheduled for December 8 at 12 PM.
Following the skate deck release, at 2 PM, the museum will host the launch of CES’ first book, “From The Desk of CES.” This hardcover book, priced at $39.99 USD and limited to 1,000 copies, offers a journey into over 100 rare illustrations by the graffiti genius CES. Known for his unique blend of technique, humor, and color, CES’ art captures the essence of hip-hop culture and the resilience of urban life. Pre-registration for this event is available here, and an online release is set for December 11 at 12:00 pm.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Hip Hop as the Founders of the Museum Of Graffiti unveil their latest creation, “The Art of Hip Hop,” during Art Basel Miami Beach 2023. This immersive educational exhibition promises to celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of Hip Hop, focusing on the unsung heroes of this genre – the visual creators. From photographers to album cover artists, graffiti legends, and logo designers, the exhibition will shed light on their immense contribution to Hip Hop’s iconic projects.
Art of Hip Hop SXSW
After successful showcases at SXSW and Seoul’s UrbanBreak, this exhibition is making its permanent home in Wynwood, perfectly timed to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. The programming extends beyond the Art Basel week, exploring all four pillars of Hip Hop: MC’ing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and DJ’ing.
photo by lisa leone
In collaboration with StockX, the world’s leading marketplace for current culture, “The Art of Hip Hop” will kick off a grand opening weekend filled with programming and celebrations from December 5th to December 10th. This groundbreaking exhibition, titled “From the Bronx to the Beach,” offers visitors an opportunity to witness rare ephemera, showcasing the journey of Hip Hop from its roots in the Bronx with DJ Kool Herc to Miami’s very own pioneer, Uncle Luke.
DJ Tony Tone – Photo by Joe Conzo, 1981
While rappers and DJs often take center stage, “The Art of Hip Hop” places a significant emphasis on the visual creators who have left an indelible mark on this movement. Expect to see the works of renowned Hip Hop photographers like Janette Beckman, Mike Miller, Henry Chalfant, Matt Doyle, Lisa Leone, Joe Conzo, and Daniel Hastings, alongside Hip Hop album cover designs by Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Slick, Kaws, and many more.
Co-Founder Alan Ket and Wu-Tang member Raekwon at Art of Hip Hop SXSW
The exhibition will also feature a special spotlight on Miami’s unique Hip Hop history, captured through the lenses of local historian and photographer Derrick Ganth and Esdras T. Lusma. Alan Ket will collaborate with StockX to curate a collection of sneakers that further amplify the stories featured in the exhibition.
Art Of Hip Hop at Urbanbreak, Seoul
“Since its inception, hip-hop has revolutionized sneaker culture. Most of our favorite pairs have been defined, in some way, by hip-hop’s legacy. Over the course of its 50-year history, the genre has been influencing brands and giving them cultural resonance. It is our privilege to work with The Museum of Graffiti to bring its exhibit to life, and to not only celebrate ‘The Art of Hip Hop’, but to honor the community that has shaped it.” says Deena Bahri, CMO of StockX.
Beyond the immersive experience, “The Art of Hip Hop” will house a world-class specialty gift shop and art gallery. Here, you can explore and purchase original paintings on canvas and sculptures spanning the last five decades.
AlanKet, Curator and Co-Founder of The Art of Hip Hop shares his sentiment. “I fell in love with Hip Hop culture 40 years ago in the streets of New York. This historical exhibition belongs in Miami which has historically been a city with innovation and creativity in all the elements of Hip Hop. The public is going to love this.”
Allison Freidin & Alan Ket – Co-Founders of Museum of Graffiti & Art of Hip Hop
Doors will open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, starting on December 5, 2023, taking over the entire building located at 299 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127. General admission tickets are available for $12, and all special programming tickets will be exclusively offered at www.artofhiphop.com.
As part of their partnership with the Museum of Graffiti, StockX will make 250 tickets available for free to the public each day from December 5th to December 7th, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Schedule:
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (11 am – 6 pm): Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (11 am – 6 pm): Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX.
Thursday, December 7, 2023: Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX. Panel Discussion (1 pm – 2 pm): StockX presents a design-focused talk led by renowned sneaker design authority and Pensole College of Business and Design Founder, D’wayne Edwards.
Friday, December 8, 2023: Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of Ciroc. Panel Discussion (1 pm – 2 pm): StockX presents a Hip Hop business-focused panel discussion led by Senior Vice President at Roc Nation, Lenny Santiago.
Beyond Art Basel: The Art of Hip Hop will continue to update its programming throughout the year, highlighting all four pillars of Hip Hop – MC’ing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and DJ’ing.
Two decades ago, in the tranquil realms of rural China, a Wu Tang CD forever altered the artistic destiny of VanceDNA. The Museum of Graffiti now brings this electrifying sensation from Shanghai to the heart of Wynwood. Renowned for his transformative ability,VanceDNA morphs American pop culture icons into 2-dimensional transparent figures, offering a fresh perspective that’s both striking and introspective. Witness this evolution at the VIP Grand Opening Celebration of “TRANSPARENT” on September 9, 2023, from 6PM – 9PM.
From the intricate strokes of traditional Juangsu painting to the pulsating energy of hip hop and graffiti, Vance’s journey epitomizes the confluence of diverse cultural inspirations. His large-scale hyper-realistic murals and oil paintings are masterpieces of light, shadow, and the captivating allure of materials like glass and ice. Through a melding of time-honored techniques and contemporary inspirations, Vance creates a visual narrative that is both nostalgically evocative and groundbreaking.
Vance, a leading figure for the graffiti crew DNA in Asia and a proud member of Thailand’s MSV crew, has showcased his inimitable style everywhere from Macau’s streets to Germany’s elite galleries.
Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti, shares, “Showcasing Vance DNA to the US audience marks a pivotal moment in the art world. His works are a harmonious blend of diverse cultures, eras, and emotions, presenting a fusion that’s both compelling and thought-provoking.”
Join us for this unparalleled artistic experience. Step into the Museum of Graffiti on September 9 and immerse yourself in a world where East meets West, and icons are reborn. The exhibit will be on view through November 15, 2023.
The Museum of Graffiti proudly announces the VIP Grand Opening Celebration of “TRANSPARENT” – a solo exhibition by the visionary Shanghai-based artist and Chinese painter, Vance DNA. This new body of work promises to offer a fresh perspective on style, straight from Shanghai. The opening is set for September 9, 2023, from 6PM – 9PM.
Born in Juangsu, China in 1990, Vance DNA’s artistic journey began early with landscape painting lessons at the age of ten. As a teenager, his love for American rap music and break dancing flourished when he discovered hip hop. At 14, inspired by his experience as a b-boy and a pivotal Wu Tang CD adorned with intricate graffiti art, he ventured into the world of graffiti. Merging his traditional painting lessons with contemporary influences, Vance developed a unique approach, creating large-scale hyper-realistic murals and oil paintings. His works showcase a rich blend of light and shadow, Western animation, and a fascination with materials like glass and ice. All these elements culminate in art that nostalgically celebrates his youth, backed by a lifetime of honed skill and discipline.
With “TRANSPARENT”, Vance DNA brings to life transparent figures that convey a poignant message: the urge for authenticity and the call to embrace the true reflection one wishes to see. This exhibition is a testament to his multi-faceted talents, blending pop-culture, fine art techniques, and an unmatched attention to detail.
Vance DNA is not only the only member of the world-famous graffiti crew DNA in Asia but also a proud member of Thailand’s MSV crew. His global recognition is evident as he has showcased his art and painted murals in numerous countries including the US, Thailand, Philippines, Bulgaria, Japan, Macau, South Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius, Germany, and Australia over the past decade.
“We are immensely pleased to host Vance DNA and showcase his innovative and evocative art,” says Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti. “His creations go beyond artistry, striking a chord with the very essence of human authenticity and introspection.”
The Museum of Graffiti is thrilled to announce an exclusive evening with the iconic graffiti artist and airbrush pioneer Edwin “PHADE” Sacasa, better known as Shirt King PHADE. As part of Modelo’s Summer Culture Series to celebrate the contributions of black and brown graffiti artists across generations, PHADE will be leading an extraordinary Airbrush Masterclass on July 7th, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm.
This event is free and open to the public.
PHADE, co-founder of Shirt Kings in the 1980s along with partners Nike and Kasheme, is a legendary artist who elevated the art of airbrushing with his creativity and visionary designs. Based in Jamaica, Queens, Shirt Kings has been a hub for hip-hop artists and fans seeking unique, custom airbrush designs for over four decades. Their roster includes celebrated artists such as Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, and Jay-Z, positioning Shirt Kings at the intersection of streetwear and high fashion.
Attendees will get an intimate look at the revolutionary techniques and the brilliant artistry behind PHADE’s work and enjoy complimentary beverages courtesy of Modelo. This rare event allows fans, aspiring artists, and art enthusiasts to dive deep into the world of graffiti and airbrush art, guided by one of the most influential figures in the field.
PHADE’s masterclass continues the “Fighting Spirit Stories”, a series of inspiring and culturally-enriching events throughout the summer at the Museum of Graffiti. Named after Modelo’s long-standing tagline, “The Fighting Spirit,” these events highlight the relentless spirit of those who have left an indelible mark on the arts and culture scene.
“We’re excited to partner with the Modelo to provide a platform for these trailblazers to share their inspiring stories and impact on the culture,” says Allison Freidin, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti.
Museum of Graffiti, the world’s first Museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of graffiti art, is announcing today the opening of the first exclusively African American graffiti exhibition. Opening on June 2nd, 2023, the exhibition entitled “All Black Everything,” celebrates the contribution and art of multi-generational graffiti artists from the African diaspora. To celebrate the opening, the Museum will host a panel discussion with artists featured in the exhibit including graffiti pioneer Richard “Bama” Admiral. The discussion will be the first of many “Fighting Spirit Stories” told throughout the summer as part of Modelo’s Summer Culture Series at Museum of Graffiti.
Guests can expect to see the work of famed African American artists Bama, Blade, Daze, Delta2, Dondi White, Esteme, Ewok, Kool Koor, Noc167, Quik (Lin Felton), Skeme, Sneke, VFR, and Wane One alongside vintage sketchbooks and ephemera showcasing the early artistry of the influential and elusive Web One. Original graffiti paintings on canvas and works on paper from the past 40 years will also be available for purchase within the exhibit.
“In the 1970s, the Bronx was burning due to economic turmoil and crime. It is no wonder that the imaginations of the African American artists living in these neighborhoods propelled them beyond their surroundings into a world of fantasy and hope. This is what you will see in the paintings by Kool Koor, BAMA, and Delta2,” said Allison Freidin, co-Founder, Museum of Graffiti.
Modelo’s Summer Culture Series will include special museum programming and classes on the first Friday of each month, beginning June 2nd, and will touch on all generations of black and brown graffiti artists. Opening night admission will be limited to guests 21+ for the first look at the exhibit with complimentary beverages courtesy of Modelo.
“Many people around the world are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop by placing an exclusive emphasis on the music. However, hip hop is a movement with great cultural contributors across many creative disciplines, including graffiti. From Bama in the North Bronx who participated in the first graffiti exhibition in 1973 to Harlem’s cultural icon Skeme to Wane One who for the past 30 years has been traveling around the world teaching his unique lettering style to disciples around the globe. There is no better time to celebrate their genius than now,” said Alan Ket, curator and co-Founder of the Museum of Graffiti.
Ongoing support for the museum’s Hip Hop programming is provided by IMLS.
