On September 29, 1998 legendary photographer Gordon Parks gathered over 200 artists from hip-hop in front of a Harlem stoop. The photo would become an epic feat of hip-hop photography. The photo graced the cover of the December 1998 issue of XXL Magazine. It was taken at 17 E 126th Street in Harlem to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of the August 1958 “Great Day in Harlem” photograph by Art Kane of fifty seven jazz artists, captured in the same location. The shoot is considered a landmark event not just for the photography legend behind the camera, but also for referencing a prior generation of jazz great who also changed the course of culture. Join us as we mark the anniversary of this iconic photo and hear from the editors and artists that made it happen.
Presented in partnership with Vikki Tobak and the publication of “Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop”, a new book celebrating hip-hop visual culture, featuring rare outtakes from over 100 photoshoots alongside interviews and essays from industry legends.
A book signing will follow.
Wednesday 6:30-8:30
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture515 Malcolm X Boulevard
