artnet Auctions is pleased to present Represent: Iconic Hip Hop Photography, a selection of photographs chronicling important moments and figures from the history of hip hop. Curated in collaboration with art director and photographer Xavier De Nauw, this sale features iconic shots from the 1980s to the present that have shaped the public image of hip hop superstars such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eazy-E, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay Z, and more.
Represent: Iconic Hip Hop Photography is live for bidding now through November 19 on artnet Auctions.
https://www.artnet.com/auctions/represent-iconic-hip-hop-photography-1115
Here a selection of prints :
• Michael Miller
Eazy E – Eazy Duz It, 1990
Archival inkjet
Edition of 25
22 × 17 in.
Est. 1,500–2,500 USD
In a career spanning almost three decades, Michael Miller has photographed titans of the fashion, film, and music industries. This image of the iconic rapper Eazy-E was included in Miller’s book West Coast Hip Hop: A History in Pictures. Known as “the godfather of gangsta rap,” Eazy-E rose to fame with his highly successful debut album Eazy-Duz-It. The musician, who died in 1995, also produced the critically acclaimed album Straight Outta Compton along with Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and other members of the hip hop group N.W.A
• Mark Seliger
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Los Angeles, CA, 1993
Gelatin silver print
18.25 × 14.5 in.
Est. 2,500–3,500 USD
As chief photographer at Rolling Stone from 1992 to 2002, Mark Seliger has produced memorable images of musicians, politicians, actors, and other major icons. Seliger’s incisive approach to his subjects is evident in this image featuring rappers Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg reclining on the hood of a Cadillac de Ville. At the time, Dr. Dre had recently released his celebrated debut album, The Chronic, which also introduced the world to a young Snoop Dogg and ultimately launched his career.
• Geoffroy de Boismenu
Flavor Flav, 1994
Digital print
Edition of 5
31.5 × 25 in.
Est. 600–800 USD
Geoffroy de Boismenu’s images are always cinematic and eye-catching, whether it is through his use of action-figures in erotic scenes, or through the vibrant yellow clothes and umbrella that surround musician Flavor Flav’s face here in this striking portrait. A rapper, comedian, and hype man, Flavor Flav is known as much for his personality as he is for his music and TV work. Here, his sunny uniform and halo-like umbrella call attention to his enigmatic facial expression and signature over-sized clock pendant.
• Chi Modu
Tupac Shakur, 1995
Gelatin silver print
Edition of 100
24 × 20 in.
Est. 2,500–3,500 USD
Born in Nigeria and raised in New Jersey, photographer Chi Modu joined the hip hop world when he started working for The Source, the world’s longest-running publication dedicated to hip hop and rap, where he met and worked with icons such as Biggie Smalls, Mary J. Blige, and Tupac Shakur early in their careers. Images from this intimate series of Tupac Shakur were exhibited on the sides of New York buildings as a part of Modu’s acclaimed public exhibition, Uncategorized.
• Dana Lixenberg
Biggie, 1996
Chromogenic print
Edition of 10
40 × 30 in.
Est. 6,000–8,000 USD
Dana Lixenberg has built her career by photographing people of all backgrounds, from single mothers in underprivileged communities to some of the world’s biggest celebrities. Working for magazines such Vice and Time, she has photographed major musicians including Whitney Houston, Prince, and, seen here, hip hop icon Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G. This image of Biggie counting money is playful yet poignant, offering a private glimpse of the man who often rapped about the joy of breaking out of poverty.
• Glen E. Friedman
Public Enemy, 1986
Chromogenic print
16 × 20 in.
Est. 8,500–9,500 USD
Glen E. Friedman has risen to fame by producing haunting images of counter-cultural movements, such as rap groups, punk bands, and skateboarders. Friedman has photographed musical groups such as Public Enemy since their earliest days, depicting its members as a powerful force, famous for critiquing systemic oppression and encouraging disenfranchised youths to “Fight the Power.” Here, the group gathers around a foregrounded DJ turntable, their wide range of expressions and gestures illuminated by a central light, their hands reaching towards the music.
• Jonathan Mannion
Hard Knock Life Vol. 2, 1998
Chromogenic print
Edition of 20
18 × 48 in.
Est. 7,000–8,000 USD
Jonathan Mannion has been documenting the hip hop world for decades, and has expanded his work to include expansive advertising campaigns, collaborations, and large-scale portraiture projects. Here, Jay Z, early in his burgeoning career, sits by his old home at the Marcy Houses in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. This portrait, which depicts him surrounded by the Marcy Houses’ young residents, speaks of Jay Z’s determination and hard-fought journey to success.
• Jean Baptiste Mondino
Snoop Doggy Dogg, 1994
Chromogenic print
Edition of 9
20 × 20 in.
Est. 4,500–5,500 USD
Jean-Baptiste Mondino is widely acclaimed as a fashion photographer and music video director who has documented music greats including Patti Smith, Beyoncé, and, seen here, Snoop Dogg. Snoop, with his trademark smooth lyrical delivery and engaging public persona, has been a hip hop icon since his breakthrough appearance on rapper Dr. Dre’s 1992 album, The Chronic. This bright and clear portrait of Snoop shows the artist as he was early in his career: an easy-going talent, on the edge of becoming a legend.
• Josh Cheuse
Beastie Boys and Rick Rubin, 1984
Archival pigment print
20 x 24 in.
Est. 1,500 –2,000 USD
Josh Cheuse began photographing the music scene in New York when he was only 16. The experience was “a bit like joining the circus,” he says, and nightclubs soon became his second home. His photographs depict the behind-the-scenes lives of musicians in cool, laidback snapshots. The Beastie Boys, shown here, were one of Cheuse’s favorite subjects. He particularly enjoyed capturing the group’s bravado and sense of humor, which is evident here in their matching sweat suits and uncharacteristically stony-faced expressions. This image was part of Cheuse’s Grooving Years collection, which spans 30 years and includes subjects like Madonna, the Clash, Joe Strummer, and Run DMC.
• Eric Johnson
Aaliyah, 2001
Pigment print
Edition of 9
20 × 17 in.
Est. 3,000–4,000 USD
Less than a year before her tragic death, singer Aaliyah was photographed by Eric Johnson for a feature in Entertainment Weekly, as seen here. By the time of her death at age 22, the artist had already achieved incredible success as the so-called “Princess of R&B.” This youthful portrait captures the unforgettable allure of the Grammy-nominated legend.
ONLINE AUCTION
Represent: Iconic Hip Hop Photography
November 12-19, 2015
https://www.artnet.com/auctions/represent-iconic-hip-hop-photography-1115
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