Queen Latifah, 1990 © Jesse FrohmanHave you ever felt the power of free expression, united with others through shared voices and struggles? This is the essence of hip hop: a transformative force reshaping communities and empowering individuals globally. From early crews to today’s icons, the sheer force of this movement touches everyone.
Fotografiska Berlin is set to celebrate this phenomenon with the Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious exhibition starting 20 September 2024. This immersive retrospective is your ticket to 50 years of hip-hop history, spanning from its Bronx roots in the ’70s to its evolution into a global industry. The exhibition showcases 200 striking photographs by more than 50 renowned artists, including Martha Cooper, Jonathan Mannion, Janette Beckman, and Campbell Addy, featuring hip-hop legends like the Beastie Boys, Lauryn Hill, Tupac Shakur, Erykah Badu, and Kendrick Lamar.
The exhibit unravels hip hop’s pivotal moments, beginning with DJ Kool Herc’s groundbreaking Bronx party on 11 August 1973. It delves into how hip-hop has unified people, voiced marginalized communities, and driven social and political change. The story goes beyond mere chronology, capturing how hip-hop emerged as a conscious movement for empowerment.
Beastie Boys, Radio City New York, 1985 © Josh CheuseAfter its success at Fotografiska New York, Berlin’s rendition of Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious introduces a unique segment, “Hip Hop in Deutschland”. This exclusive chapter traces the evolution of German rap through five phases: from the 1980s jams to today’s innovative scene, blending documentary photography, portraits, and interactive elements. It offers a fresh perspective on German rap’s cultural and political impact.
Expect to see iconic images alongside rare and lesser-known moments, capturing hip-hop’s transformative journey and its lasting influence on pop culture. This exhibition honours the artists who have indelibly shaped both hip-hop and wider history.
Salt`n`Pepa Lower East Side NYC, 1986 © Jannette BeckmanOpening Night
Mark your calendars for a night to remember on 20 September 2024, 19:30 – 03:00. The opening party celebrates the core elements of hip hop—DJing, rapping, breakdancing, and graffiti—with a special focus on women’s contributions. Join us for freestyle rap battles, dance performances, scratch battles featuring Germany’s top DMC finalists and champions, and performances by both emerging and established artists. Feel the collective energy and vote for your favourite act. Tickets are available on Fotografiska Berlin’s website, with a discount for groups.
Meet the Curators
Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious is co-curated by Sacha Jenkins and Sally Berman alongside the German section curators: Yolandé Gouws, Davide Bortot, Miriam Davoudvandi, and Ron Schindler (DJ Ron). They have intricately designed this exhibition to honour hip-hop’s legacy.
Kslay, Dollar Bill and crew, 1981 © Henry ChalfantAbout Fotografiska and Mass Appeal
Fotografiska is a contemporary museum of photography, art, and culture. With locations across the globe, Fotografiska’s exhibitions, restaurants, bars, and talks offer a rich cultural experience, open daily from 10:00 to 23:00.
Mass Appeal is an influential entertainment company chronicling the stories that shape culture. Since 1996, they have documented the movements influencing popular ideas, serving as hip hop’s elevated voice. Through various platforms, Hip Hop 50 is Mass Appeal’s dedication to celebrating hip-hop culture authentically.
Join us at Fotografiska Berlin, Oranienburger Str. 54, for a journey through the conscious and unconscious realms of hip-hop. Follow #HipHopConsciousUnconscious and @fotografiska.berlin on Instagram for all updates.
