Los Angeles, California. Icons from the world of hip-hop music will be the subject of an extraordinary exhibition of portraits by Russian-born American painter Alexander Melamid, the outspoken artist who once had his work dismantled and bulldozed by the Soviet government. Holy Hip-Hop! New Paintings by Alex Melamid will be on view at Forum Gallery, Los Angeles, from September 13 through November 1, 2008 with an opening reception Friday evening September 12 from 7-9:00 p.m. Holy Hip-Hop! marks the first-ever solo show for Melamid, who is world-famous for his collaborative with fellow Russian-born artist Vitaly Komar. A portion of the proceeds from sales of these stunning portraits of icons from the world of hip-hop music will go to benefit the Children’s Action Network (CAN), the Los Angeles based entertainment sponsored organization dedicated to improving the lives of America’s children.
The life-size portraits of twelve icons of hip-hop culture capture the larger than life personas embodied by these men, who are among the wealthiest and most influential individuals of our time. Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Common, Kanye West, Reverend Run, Duke, Lil Jon, Don "Magic" Juan, Whoo Kid, Marc Ecko and Russell Simmons are portrayed by Melamid as they are in life ‚ serious, ambitious, powerful and compelling. The twelve, dressed in their everyday clothes, are rendered with Old Master style and quality, providing a provocative visual context and an association with masterpieces of the past. In these paintings, Melamid explores art, power and commodity, as well as displaying the wit that has long elevated his work.
Melamid was introduced to his subjects by his son, Dan "Dan the Man" Melamid, a music video director working in the hip-hop industry. For two years, from 2003 to 2005, Melamid spent time with each of the men, got to know them, then photographed and drew them as the basis for his paintings. "Art is the key that unlocked a door that would not have opened for me," said Melamid. "I thought it would be interesting to paint the men of hip-hop using the traditional European style I have been perfecting for 40 years."
The exhibition Holy Hip-Hop! was first presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), from February through April of 2008, where it generated great interest and record-breaking attendance. Alex Melamid and Forum Gallery chose to bring the show next to Los Angeles, a city where the dominance of hip-hop culture and its impact on today’s youth is everywhere evident
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PRESS CONTACT: Niccolò Brooker, Marvella Muro
