"A Hip-Hop Revolution" by Maya Milton
Located just outside the entrance to our newest exhibition, Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, visitors to MoPOP will now find a new piece of artwork on display. The acrylic paint mural, "A Hip-Hop Revolution," was created by local multimedia artist Maya Milton, who is committed to creating a space that enables Black girls and women to imagine a life beyond the confining structures in which we currently live.
Shortly after the mural's install at MoPOP, we caught up with Maya for a few questions about her work!
Maya: "I am a Black woman living in Seattle, WA who is a professional artist and small business owner."
Maya: "I create art to empower and uplift Black women as well as place us in God-like positions. Growing up, I rarely saw images that celebrated Black women, so I decided to create them. As a child I knew that I wanted to grow up to be an artist, so with a love for it and blossoming talent I pursed art. My commitment is always to create art that celebrates Black Excellence."
Maya: "Music has always been a part of the soundtrack of my life. My parents and grandparents introduced me to all the ways we could listen to the rhythm and rhythms, from turntables, to cassettes. I enjoyed the beats and memorized the lyrics that were pure poetry. Listening on my I-Pod which, after a bit, transitioned to my phone, I paid attention to the fashion and jewelry that were seen on hip-hop artists. Hip-hop has always told stories of our pain, joys, and struggles, often inspiring us to rise to a challenge.
"My love of hip-hop and positive experiences going to MoPOP both made me extremely excited about this opportunity."
Maya Milton (via 21entities.com)
Maya: "As a Black woman I am inspired by other Black women, our strengths, personal journeys, and differences. Other inspirations include Black and Brown histories, our culture, and music. In the piece I created for MoPOP, these inspirations came together through the colors, devices, and symbolism, specifically the fist which represents strength, power, and togetherness."
Maya: "I can be found on Instagram @21entities, as well as my website 21entities.com. I can be reached at 21entities@gmail.com for any inquiries."
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