“Legacy: Rocking the Nation (RTN), 30 Years of Creativity” takes a historic look at the origins of a cultural collective manifesting the four elements of hip-hop. The exhibition brings together visual art, photographic archives, black books as journaling and communication, music dance and words.
Formed in 1989, Rocking the Nation (RTN) originated as one of L.A.’s only all-black graffiti crews. With a strong focus on community building and education, the crew used the medium to unite disenfranchised youth and to heal a beautiful but wounded city. From the founding of muraling on the Slauson yards to exhibitions curated by the Getty, RTN has a diverse trajectory of multi-platform art practices. Even prior to inclusion into the pages of the Getty’s LA Liber Amicorum, to the present, RTN members could be found traveling the world for the exhibitions and direct involvement in collaborative art making. Their philosophy and praxis of “each one, teach one” plays out on the walls and in direct teaching of non-institutional art history, specialized art techniques, exhibiting in world-class galleries and lecturing at seminars. Through archived materials, film footage, music and original murals this exhibit expresses the vibrant 30-year history of RTN and proves that they are still Rocking The Nation.
Curated by Aiseborn, RTN member since 2010, the exhibition includes artwork by “King” CR8, Mark7, Enkone, SANO, Gaknew, Roder, Auxe, Aiseborn, Crown, P-Chuck, Mask, Midzt, Sight, Duce, music by Monstroe and much more .
Quoting curator Aiseborn on the repainting of the Crenshaw wall after the historic mural of Brockman Gallery artists, “The Crenshaw wall’s, Our Mighty Contribution, has survived extreme weather, swastikas, buckling concrete and neglect. Through it all, it’s held its weight. It stands as a testimonial timeline chronicling African American’s history and their possible future. The creators of this mighty mural are the dynamic members of
Rocking The Nation graffiti crew and like the great wall, they have persevered and stood the test of time.”
Founded in 1977, and now entering the 42nd Anniversary year of its founding, William Grant Still Arts Center is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs offering Exhibitions, creative workshops, music and art classes for adults, youth and children, Art and Jazz summer camp, concerts, and places for community meetings and the neighborhood to come together.
Please visit the William Grant Still Arts Center’s website for updates on the exhibition and all programs at wgsac.wordpress.com.
Program Events and Activities
Exhibition Dates: September 28 to November 23, 2019
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 28, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
With RTN DJs, Dancers and a Beat Box Battle
Workshops: October 19, 2019 2-4 pm
Master Lettering Class with CR8
Discussions: October 5, 2019 2-4 pm
RTN in Conversation: The Birth Of A Crew
November 16, 2019 2-4 pm
Love For Sale: The Commodification Of An Urban Art
Form
