The work of renowned graffiti artist Al Díaz will be on display starting Sept. 1, at the Corner Gallery in Industry City. The Brooklyn Made Store is partnering with Collect With Lulu and Silvertuna Studio to bring new artwork from the prolific graffiti artist to Brooklyn.
"Graffiti and hip-hop culture started in New York fifty years ago and swept across the whole world, a cultural movement with rich ties to Brooklyn and all across the five boroughs," said Gabby Napolitano, Creative Director & General Manager at the Brooklyn Made Store in a press release. "We are excited to be able to present and honor the work of this art-world icon."
Born and raised in New York City, Al Díaz is known for being part of the first generation of subway graffiti artists. Díaz is best known for his friendship with Jean-Michel Basquiat and collaboration on SAMO©…, a well-known graffiti project appearing in lower Manhattan from 1978 to 1980.
In 1978, the Village Voice revealed Diaz and Basquiat as the teen authors behind SAMO, which had become a cultural phenomenon throughout the streets of New York. Decades later, their witty and poetic graffito garners the attention of art lovers worldwide.
"This exhibit is another great opportunity to share my story and my art to the world," said Díaz. "When we were doing our SAMO graffiti back in 1978, we didn’t realize we were about to change the game."
This exhibition will showcase original fine art, limited edition pieces, merchandise and books from Sept. 1- Sept. 30. Díaz will attend the exhibit's opening night and sign books.
The Al Díaz opening will take place on the Ground Floor of Industry City, located at 51 35th St., Brooklyn, on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
