Graffiti has become a recognized part of the commercial and art worlds; it shows up in merchandise, design, galleries, even the iconic, official Obama "HOPE" poster. Reconstruct Art's participans include several writers and visual artists inspired by graffiti imagery. Since a lot of our teens have not had opportunities to participate enough in the formal arts, they identify strongly with the writers who have used the streets as their canvas and tagging to establish an identity and reputation.
Graffiti and classic hip hop were big draws at our latest event, the Graffiti-n'-Chicken Party. At Chashama's gallery in Jamaica, Queens, teens tagged up a giant canvas, while pro writer Ill Will knocked out a masterpiece with our name and logo on another oversized canvas. When the spray paint fumes became too much, there was dancing, hot wings and open blackbooks at our gallery space two doors down. Don't miss the next art party, or our event this Friday: Sweet Potato Jam!
