Jamel Shabazz: Faces and Places, 1980–2023 Exhibition @ Brooklyn Museum Plaza
Born in Brooklyn, Shabazz’s interest in photography sparked at age 15. In this episode of Reclaimed, Shabazz joins us on our stoop to discuss his installation featuring hundreds of his portraits from the last 40 years showcasing the vibrant people and places of our beloved Brooklyn and beyond. Our Reclaimed series focuses on art as a tool to reclaim traditional narratives of lived experience. An effort to highlight and empower groups that have been left out, stigmatized, and misrepresented. Follow along for a celebration of our differences and stride towards collective healing and social progress.
Photographs capturing four decades of the vibrant people and places of Brooklyn and other locales will line our outdoor plaza this summer, celebrating the borough and the work of Jamel Shabazz. Since 1980, Shabazz has documented the vitality of city life and hip-hop culture in New York City and beyond, creating enduring images of style, community, and joy. Recognizing his significant contributions to Brooklyn—and the fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop—this installation showcases hundreds of Shabazz’s portraits, drawn from his remarkable archive.
Shabazz’s earliest influences include his family’s photo albums, which have been passed down and expanded over generations. During the 1980s and ’90s, Shabazz had his film processed at a lab that provided two prints of each image. He would give one print to his subjects and archive the other in his own albums, which he often presents to potential models. Along with individual portraits, Faces and Places features reproductions of several pages from these albums, focusing on Shabazz’s extensive work in New York City parks over the past forty years.
Jamel Shabazz: Faces and Places, 1980–2023 is organized by Drew Sawyer, Phillip and Edith Leonian Curator of Photography, with Imani Williford, Curatorial Assistant, Photography, Fashion, and Material Culture, Brooklyn Museum.
Leadership support for this installation is provided by the Phillip Leonian and Edith Rosenbaum Leonian Charitable Trust.
Sizzle Arts Appreciation Tours
A Program of Sizzle Arts Foundation
Mission:
To ignite a passion for art appreciation by providing immersive experiences that connect individuals with diverse forms of artistic expression. Through curated tours, Sizzle Arts cultivates understanding of cultural heritage, fosters creativity, and inspires lifelong engagement with the arts.
Program Overview:
Sizzle Arts Appreciation Tours offers participants guided visits to museums, galleries, cultural landmarks, and live performances, locally and internationally. Each tour is curated to provide educational content, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, enabling participants to explore art’s techniques, histories, and cultural contexts.
Program Impact:
Arts Education: Participants gain knowledge of artistic traditions and contemporary practices, enhancing cultural literacy.
Community Engagement: Tours connect participants with local artists, institutions, and heritage sites, promoting inclusivity and representation.
Creative Inspiration: Exposure to diverse art forms encourages participants to engage in their own creative expression.
Cultural Appreciation: Fosters understanding and respect for global artistic traditions, bridging communities and generations.
Grant Alignment:
Sizzle Arts Appreciation Tours meets key objectives of arts, education, and community-based funding programs by:
Offering structured, high-quality educational programming
Promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts
Demonstrating measurable outcomes in participant engagement and cultural enrichment
Supporting community development through partnerships with artists and cultural organizations
Conclusion:
By creating memorable, immersive art experiences, Sizzle Arts Appreciation Tours nurtures curiosity, celebrates creativity, and strengthens connections between individuals and the arts. The program reflects the Sizzle Arts Foundation’s commitment to innovation, cultural awareness, and community empowerment—making it a strong candidate for grant support.
