African American graffiti artists highlighted in Miami

Museum of Graffiti, the world’s first Museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of graffiti art, presents the first exclusively African American graffiti artists exhibition, “All Black Everything,” Opening on June 2nd, 2023. The exhibition 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,” Allison Freidin, co-Founder, Museum of Graffiti, said. “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.”

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,” Alan Ket, curator and co-Founder of the Museum of Graffiti, said. “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.”

About the Museum of Graffiti 

Founded in Miami’s Wynwood District, the Museum of Graffiti is a leading contemporary art museum dedicated to sharing the power of expression, sparking wonder, and inspiring creativity for and about the graffiti art movement. At the Museum of Graffiti, visitors can explore the history of graffiti in an experiential setting with interactive exhibitions and unique shows.

The museum seeks to honor and preserve the unique art form and to exhibit important works for permanent viewing. Through changing exhibitions and programs, the museum aims to introduce visitors to the artists, paintings, photos, sculptures, works on paper, and designs that have captivated youth and adults for over fifty years, as well as the environment in which the global art movement was formed.

For more information, please visit museumofgraffiti.com and follow the brand on social media at @museumofgraffiti.  

The Museum of Graffiti is located at 276 NW 26^th Street, Miami, FL 33127