Manarat Al Saadiyat has announced the launch of a massive new exhibition celebrating the history of hip-hop.
Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop will open at the cultural centre on Saadiyat Island in partnership with the region’s leading cultural and lifestyle platform, Sole.
Taking place from December 15 to May 31, 2021, the exhibition will be showing outside the USA for the first time, documenting Hip-Hop culture that’s loved the world over.
As part of the exhibition you can see four decades of amazing images, albums, magazine covers and memorabilia from the biggest names in the scene all curated by journalist Vikki Tobak, with creative director Fab 5 Freddy and producer Joseph Patel.
The exhibition features more than 200 images by 60+ photographers capturing rarely seen images of artists including Kanye West, Cardi B, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, MF Doom, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Aaliyah, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, and Notorious B.I.G.
Abu Dhabi is the first international location to host the exhibition, reflecting the importance of hip-hop culture to the UAE and the growing fan base of the music and fashion in the region.
“Manarat Al Saadiyat’s mission as a cultural centre is to showcase a wide spectrum of creative expression, and in alignment with DCT Abu Dhabi’s wider cultural strategy for the emirate, we continually strive to offer fresh and unique artistic content to our audiences,” said Fatima Yousef Al Yousef, public engagement and programming head at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
“One of the most culturally significant music genres, Hip-Hop pioneered not only a new sound but a unique visual identity that, for decades now, has influenced fashion and attitudes the world over.”
“The emirate is home to longstanding musical and artistic traditions and in the photos and objects on display, visitors will find much that resonates and inspires.”
Also commenting on the exhibition, Joshua Cox, partner at Sole, said: “For those of us who grew up with Hip-Hop, seeing a museum level retrospective come to life is a dream come true.
“The artists we listened to had a profound impact on our lives, and it’s through the foresight of our featured photographers that we get a view into that world.”
“The images in this show not only invoke nostalgia, but also inspire optimism for the future of the genre. We are truly grateful to Vikki Tobak for trusting us to bring her vision to Abu Dhabi, and to the Manarat Al Saadiyat team for their support, confidence, and continued support for the arts.”
Tickets to the exhibition cost Dhs30 and are available from Virgin Megastores.
Dhs30. Dec 15-May 31. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island sole.digital/contacthighad
