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Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop
One perfect image can define a cultural moment. That’s how icons are born.
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but with hip-hop that’s a serious understatement. Contact High explores four decades of iconic photography from the late 1970s to today, documenting a revolution not just in music but in politics, race relations, fashion, and culture. Through more than 170 images of its most influential artists—Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, and Queen Latifah just for starters—Contact High celebrates hip-hop's evolution, connecting us with the peak experiences, personalities, and places that have shaped the world’s most popular music genre.
Plan ahead and save big on your tickets.
OPEN NOW THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2024
Exhibition Details
Aaliyah? Wu-Tang Clan? Sir Mix-A-Lot? We’ve got their greatest fashion, style, and branding triumphs right here. And it doesn’t stop with photographs: Contact High is jam-packed with 80s rap battle flyers; handwritten Tupac Shakur manuscripts; costumes from Sha-Rock, The Notorious B.I.G., and MF DOOM; and exclusive photo session contact sheets giving you a behind-the-scenes peek at the artistry, skill, and joy that went into creating and capturing some of music’s most legendary moments.
Exhibition made possible by the Annenberg Space for Photography + International Center of Photography. Curator Vikki Tobak, Creative Director Fab 5 Freddy. Based on the Book CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop by Vikki Tobak.
Become a MoPOP Member Today and You Get
• FREE access to Contact High and your other favorite exhibitions again and again for the entire year of your membership
• First dibs on tickets for opening weekends
• Discounts on merch and hip-hop memorabilia at the MoPOP Store
• All the good feelings for supporting the preservation and celebration of pop culture history
Buy the Book
Can't make it to the exhibit? Purchase the book that inspired it — CONTACT HIGH: A History of Hip-Hop by Vikki Tobak.
Events
PAST EVENTS
Through collaboration with community partners, talent featured in the exhibit, and local artists, guests:
• Were introduced to (and celebrated) the amazing photographers that documented the rise and dominance of hip hop in pop culture.
• Learned how photography played a critical role in bringing hip-hop’s visual culture to the global stage.
• Learned about the cultural, societal, and artistic impact of hip-hop.
• Got to explore their own creativity as they join us for some Hip Hop inspired art activities.
A Conversation with Sha Rock: Mother of the Mic
Sha Rock began her career as a breakdancer (or b-girl) but made her name as a skilled MC and battle veteran. A member of the Funky 4 + 1, she is the first female MC to receive a record contract and is often referred to as the Mother of the Mic. The Funky 4 + 1’s 1980 hit “That’s the Joint” was named the greatest Hip Hop song of all time by Rolling Stone. A Washington State Hip Hop History Month Celebration event.
Paint & Sip with Claudia Villalobos
About Claudia Villalobos
Born and raised in the 206, Claudia couldn't be any prouder of her PNW roots! She is passionate about introducing all Youth to the ARTS community and the possibilities of all art mediums. Claudia hosts Creative Art sessions for underprivileged youth and out-of-the-box thinkers to explore the possibility of incorporating art into their lives in hopes that it could be a positive outlet for our Future Youth. Her love of art encouraged her to create Glow Girls. Glow Girls is a nonprofit that empowers young ladies to express themselves through hands-on art activities, inspiring them to be creative in their own unique way.
Instagram: @claudiavdesigns
About the Photo and Photographer
The Megan Thee Stallion photo that inspired our paint-and-sip activity was taken by Sam Balaban, a photographer and director based in New Jersey who's has not only been featured n the International Center of Photography, the Annenberg Space for Photography, and select exhibits in New York City and Los Angeles, but will also be in our Contact High: A Visual History of Hip Hop exhibit.
Fab 5 Freddy's Playlist
To ready yourself for an intimate glimpse into hip-hop's history, check out this playlist curated by Contact High’s creative director, hip-hop pioneer, and the original host of Yo! MTV Raps, Fab 5 Freddy.
Exhibition made possible by the Annenberg Space for Photography + International Center of Photography.
Curator Vikki Tobak, Creative Director Fab 5 Freddy. Based on the Book CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop by Vikki Tobak.
Exhibition made possible by
This project was supported, in part, by 4Culture/King County Lodging Tax
