Recognize!

The National Portrait Gallery is hosting the exhibit "Recognize! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture". The exhibit includes large-scale paintings by Kehinde Wiley, photographs by David Scheinaum, self portrait videos by Jefferson Pinder graffiti murals by Tim Conlon and Dave Hupp, an art instillation by Shinique Smith and poetry by Nikki Giovanni.

"Since its inception in the late 1970s, hip hop has become hugely influential in America. While images of hip hop performers are as pervasive in our culture as the music itself, some visual artists have created powerful images that both celebrate and explore the complexity of this creative form. The six artists and one poet whose work is included in RECOGNIZE! have approached hip hop culture through the lens of portraiture, and, in combination, their contributions highlight its vitality and beauty." Official introduction to the exhibit.

Each artist depicts hip hop from their own unique prospectives. After growing up in the 1960's Scheinaum was inspired by the unity of the hip hop community. Wiley wanted to show that hip hop was more than just entertainment, as it has often been represented. Hip hop is a culture, and a valuable part of American heritage. Wiley shows this by painting portraits of hip hop artists in positions that are reminiscent of Renaissance artists.


The exhibit has been in the National Portrait Gallery since February 8, 2008 and will be available to visitors until October 26, 2008.

The Magic of the Pyramids

For 5,000 years the Great Pyramids of Giza have stood over the desert. They have been symbols of mysticism, power, and prosperity. These great marks of the ancient world have withstood the test of time and have been recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world.


The Pyramids have always drawn the rich and curious to their bases. As a result tourism is one of the largest sources of income for locals. Today, visitors are confronted by peddlers offering everything from trinkets to camel rides. To try to increase the amount of tourists and the enjoyment of their visit the Egyptian government has undergone a $26 million project to modernize the area. This project includes limiting the amount of peddlers in the area, a 12-mile chain-link fence, and organized visits on golf carts.

When commenting on the renovations Zahi Hawass, Egypt's chief archaeologist said "It was a zoo. Now we are protecting both the tourists and the ancient monuments."

The project is intended to protect the tourists as well as the pyramids. Visitors were allowed to climb upon the Pyramids from the 19th century through the 1970's. Today visitors are unable to climb on the Pyramids, but they are still able to wander freely through the area. The modernization will help control where visitors are able to go and help preserve the site.

We are giving back the magic of the Pyramids. ~ Zahi Hawass

Recent bombings in Sinai and the surrounding area has raised security concerns for the Pyramids. The modernization project will include security upgrades, such as motion detectors, alarms and cameras around the site.