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London’s ‘More Than XY’ Hip Hop Exhibition Salutes Fathers and Role Models

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Terrence Adegbenle’s “Street Disciples” portrait series of positive U.K. hip-hop artists. Part of “More Than XY” exhibition

Hip Hop can be a powerful form of social communication that galvanizes, mobilizes or inspires. Many artists have underutilized or even completely forfeited this power, but thankfully there are also those who have not. An art exhibition in the U.K.  celebrates hip hop’s power to influence by saluting fathers and role models.

Terrence Adegbenle‘s collection is currently being displayed at the Bernie Grant Art Centre as part of the “More Than XY” exhibition.

Titled “Street’s Disciples,” the collection features some amazing portraits that combine Adegbenle’s oil drawings with his friend Dapo Adeola‘s black-and-white illustrations. Inspired by Adegbenle’s dissertation for his Fine Arts degree and named after Nas‘ 2004 album, the collection aims to inspire young people through art.

The “More Than XY” initiative aims to bring awareness to the fathers who are active in their children’s lives and celebrate their role and that of other positive role models in the black community.

I love the concept, and Adegbenle and Adeola’s craftmanship is outstanding. However, rather than using only UK rappers who speak about social, political and/or religious issues, I would’ve loved to also see a black politician, a well known youth worker and/or a pastor/minister from a popular church amongst those representing the positive role models.

Nevertheless, it’s an amazing collection that you should get down to see — and it’s free, so there’s really no excuse! Fathers, take your daughters and sons. Mothers, do the same. Aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends alike, it is all of our jobs to inspire the youth of tomorrow so get involved and get down there!

Exhibit Details:
Date: Now until Friday 27th July, 2012
Location: Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, London, N15 4RX
Tickets: FREE for all
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm

Source:Melissa Sinclair, Soul Culture

 

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