James Top Graffiti Artist Afrology Debut
Welcome back!
James Top, a controversial and legendary Graffiti Artist from New York City, hosted his first solo show of the New Year, “Afrology” — a special collection of new graffiti works — at the new Essex Street Gallery on Friday February 22nd, 2008. Afrology debuts as 17 artistic variations of the 1970’s hairstyle, the “Afro,” and depicts controversial, nostalgic and historical messages of the African-American experience via mixed media and graffiti art.
Famed street photographer and artist Jamel Shabazz collaborated with Top on one exclusive piece at this exciting exhibit debut that is sure to be one of the most expensive pieces at the exhibit. For fans, it is a true display of how far your street credibility can propel you into an artistic position of prestige and respect.
Better known by the media as “The People’s Graffiti Artist,” James Top has gained his legendary status as a founding member of the The Odd Partners (TOP). As a graffiti crew, TOP would come to dominate the New York City subway system during the mid to late 1970’s. Later, James evolved from the “tags” on the subways to elaborate canvas pieces such as those displayed in Afrology.
Today James is an art instructor with his latest graffiti workshop having been the subject of controversy within the national and international media. While serving as an example of expression for younger artists, James Top hopes to use the Afrology exhibit to express what he calls “The Black Experience” united by sports, music, historical and current events.
“I take great pride in capturing what I feel is the African American experience in America,” says James Top about his solo exhibition here in New York. “It is my time not only to be the voice of graffiti art but also to be the voice of the people in my community.”
The Essex Street Gallery is located in the Lower East Side, where the heart of graffiti explosion is synonymous with rebellion, controversy and talented artistic expression. “Our
In Interview with Gothamist:
Q: What do you think of street art?
JT: Some people consider graffiti art to be street art but unfortunately that’s not true. I don’t classify my artwork as street art. I never use the term street art, not even when my art is in the gallery.
Q: Who do you like that’s still writing today?
JT: I’ve worked with the very best in this art form. However, I don’t comment about vandalism as I don’t attach myself to random acts of vandalism. But the best writers I know are Mickey729, Hurst, and Dondi, (RIP to them all) and let’s not forget Knock167 who is still alive today.
Q: You currently teach a somewhat controversial graffiti class at Hostos College.
JT: I teach the history of graffiti art forms, how they started and evolved from trains to everywhere all over the world. I try to also have people come in and explain their experiences being graffiti artists. I also show movies and documentaries about graffiti in an effort to showcase different styles. We take trips to see legal graffiti murals. I feel as though I am best to teach this class because I was there when graffiti began and I was in it — I was there.
I continue to find information on this art form on a variety of levels and I share it with the students so that they can see how to transform their own style writing into different ways. The students get to learn that hip hop was born in the same borough where the college is — they live where hip hop was born. And with graffiti being associated with Hip-Hop, it means that there is a rich culture right under their noses. Through the class, they learn the illustrious history behind the culture and the people in graffiti arts especially in the south Bronx Community.
About James Top
After spending years using New York City trains as murals, James Top has been hailed as one of New York’s legendary graffiti artists by the media and street aficionados alike.
Since his mural works on trains back in 1986, James is now working as an instructor and consultant with schools, charities, and youth based organizations.
James Top is also the producer and host of “Graffiti NYC,” a New York City weekly cable TV show which exposes of graffiti’s history in different neighborhoods.
Graffiti NYC That 70’s Show James Top
About Essex Street Gallery
Opened in November of 2007, the Essex Street Gallery has housed a variety of creative artists from around the world such as Pedro Cuube Arieta and Jordan Schaps. Jordan Cory Sorman is the owner of Essex Street Gallery and has dedicated the gallery to opening its doors every month for new innovative artists. The Gallery is located on 27 ½ Essex Street in the Lower East Side.
Afrology by James Top
February 22, 2008 6pm-Midnight
Essex Street Gallery
27 1/2 Essex St.
New York, NY 10002
www.essexstreetgallery.com
For more information regarding the Afrology Exhibition, to schedule an interview with James Top or for pictures and artwork from the Afrology collection, contact Sarah Cirkiel (scirkiel@pitchcontrolpr.com) or Shana Louallen (slouallen@pitchcontrolpr.com)
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Sometimes it amazes me the talent that these guys have. Here in Canada I just haven’t seen any work quite like this. A lot of the work around here is trashy without any real concept of art. I googled some more… I’m impressed.
Not really true, if you go into downtown toronto you can find alot of good artists. Most of the graffiti that is good is behind buildings, which you usually see when taking the TTC.