“Future Development” Showcases the Evolution of Graffiti (Pics)

(Art by T-Dee. All photos by Christian Vasquez)There is a certain rawness, edginess and sense of passion that has historically been captured through graffiti. As an art form, graffiti resounds as a loud and proud monster that has evolved since its emergence onto the scene, yet the most elite of art enthusiasts seemingly embrace it silently as they criticize and bash it amongst their peers. This is why renowned artists from around the nation have collaborated to showcase their artwork at the Future Development art exhibit, which will be featured at SoHo's chic Loft 676 in NYC. At its classy debut which took place on May 6, art aficionados from far and wide were given a first look at the many ways in which creative expression can be relayed, and an up-front peek at the workmanship that goes into the classic art form.

The show, according to curator Cliff Campbell—who has been creating graffiti for more than 16 years—consists of artists who were “handpicked, and had the original New York flavor” that he looked up to as a kid. Notables include celebrated craftsmen like Quik, a tagging legend who kept the movement moving from Hollis, Queens to Holland, and Haculla, a graff artist whose street art has been plastered throughout the busy city streets, alleyways and buildings of New York, replacing structure with colorful humor and sarcasm. Stained glass pieces of Jam Master Jay will leave a lasting impression for many reasons, one of the most important being that a portion of the sales proceeds goes to the JMJ Foundation. Marvin Thompson, brother of the late Jam Master Jay and CEO of the foundation, was in attendance, and in describing his feelings about the work of art that would be used for a worthy cause, he told RefinedHype that “Jay was about uplifting the youth, and helping people that need help. He would have been proud.”

Pics and additional information are below.


(Art by Cinik)

(Art by Bigfoot)

(Art by TD Dutchman)

The Future Development exhibit will be featured on display from Friday, May 7- Thursday, May 13
Gallery Hours: 10am to 8pm
Location: Loft 676, 676 Broadway btw. Bond St. & Great Jones
Cost: Free
Contact Info: (646) 596-8676
"FUTURE DEVELOPMENT" includes artwork by: Quik, Haculla, Ket, Cinik, Klass1, Ces, Cram, T.Dee, TATS Cru, Bigfoot, Porn, Pawn, Earsnot, Ree & TF Dutchman.