The ‘Contact High’ Hip-Hop Exhibition in Abu Dhabi is Extended

Didn’t make it along to ‘Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop’ in Abu Dhabi? You’re in luck. ‘Contact High’ has been extended. Featuring some of hip-hop’s biggest names, the exhibition will continue running from tomorrow (3 June) until the end of the month.

‘Contact High’ opened in Abu Dhabi late last year – the first time the exhibition has shown outside the USA. The highly acclaimed exhibition features photographs, albums, magazine covers and memorabilia documenting hip-hop culture over four decades.

Biggest Stars

More than 150 images, taken by over 60 photographers, are on display. The photos capture the scene’s biggest stars, including Kanye West, Cardi B, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Snoop Dogg and Aaliyah. A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and the Notorious B.I.G also feature.

Original contact sheets, displayed alongside the photos, provide an intimate look into the photographer’s journey during each shoot. The contact sheets also give a glimpse into the artist’s personality – their style, swagger and playful side.

Cultural Force

Journalist Vikki Tobak curated ‘Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop’. Tobak authored the bestselling book of the same name. Visual artist and filmmaker Fab 5 Freddy is creative director and Joseph Patel is the exhibition’s producer. “Hip-hop is a uniquely American cultural force that grew out of black and brown communities to have a long and lasting impact on people all over the world,” said Tobak.

Sole DXB

The exhibition is in Abu Dhabi thanks to the Sole DXB team. “The images in this show not only invoke nostalgia but also inspire optimism for the future of the genre,” said Sole DXB partner Joshua Cox. Sole DXB’s annual festival in Dubai celebrates hip-hop culture through film, fashion, art, music and sport.

Check out the super cool ‘Contact High’ exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat arts hub. Tickets are a snip at just AED30. Get them here.

Photo: Farel Bisotto

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