Yonkers Arts and the Mulford Corporation presents, “Let Me Fly,” a DMX Tribute exhibition, celebrating the life, music, impact, and enduring legacy of the legendary rapper, DMX. The exhibition, curated by Ray Wilcox of Yonkers Arts, opens on November 3rd at the Yonkers Arts Project Space and Gallery.
"Let Me Fly," a DMX Tribute exhibition is a continued celebration of DMX’s life through artistic expression from Yonkers-based (and adjacent) artists. The exhibition features a collection of images and mixed media pieces anchored by professional photographer Shareif Z, also from Yonkers, whose images are being featured encapsulates almost two decades of DMX’s career. “Let Me Fly,” a DMX Tribute exhibition is also thankful for the donations from show partners Def Jam and the Timberland company.
The idea and title of the exhibition, “Let Me Fly,” comes from one of DMX’s more personal songs featured off of the iconic debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot.” The song serves as a cathartic outlet for him to express his pain and need for redemption. An introspective testimonial of struggle and resilience. The desire to be free, to fly, or to just give him five (bleeping) minutes to breathe. It’s DMX speaking about his life, through his own words.
Gallery Hours
Wednesdays: 6PM - 9PM | Thursdays: 4PM - 7PM | Saturdays: 12PM - 4PM
Shareif Ziyadat
Shareif Ziyadat is the creative force behind Shareif Ziyadat Productions, an all inclusive, in-house art production company that enables clients to bring a project from conception to completion. Shareif’s dual expertise as a Creative Director and Celebrity Photographer provides the platform for both observation and creation. Whether shooting editorial, album packaging or developing global advertising campaigns, one thing is always present, Shareif's unique perspective as a definer of a hip and modern lifestyle.
Growing up in Yonkers, New York, Shareif was immersed in Hip Hop culture and learned to discern what trends would be fad or future fashion. This background has pushed him into being one of the most sought after photographers by a who’s who of celebrities within contemporary culture. Shareif also received a B.A. at the School of Visual Arts and is the recipient of numerous advertising industry awards, including the prestigious Clio, ADNY Award, as well as recognition from the Art Directors Club.
FEATURED ARTISTS
-
AJ Woodson
-
Christina DeJesus
-
Erik Kantar
-
Evan Bishop
-
Jacqueline Rivera
-
L/Art.Deco
-
London Basquit
-
Mitzi Walker
-
Noel Hefele
-
Patience Savino
-
Robert Owuso
-
Valen Daughtrey
-
Will Woodrow
Exhibition Contributors
-
Wilson Kimball
Co-Curator
-
Evan Bishop
Hanging Manager
-
SpeedPro Imaging
Production & Printing
-
Commercial Mania
Production & Printing
-
Def Jam
Exhibition Partner
-
The Timberland Company
Exhibition Partner
Curatorial Support
-
Jadonna Williams
-
James Rodriguez
-
Salamatu Lawal
-
Raissa Fitzgerald
-
Christine Kim
-
Evan Bishop
-
Tayla Edmond
-
Maddie Eggen
Inspiration
-
Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious
Fotografiska, NYC
-
The Book of HOV: A Celebration of the Life and Work of Shaun "Jay-Z" Carter
Brooklyn Public Library, NYC
-
Jean-Michael Basquiat: King Pleasure
Exhibition Sponsors
References
-
"A Letter From Hip Hop to DMX"
Revolt. Preezy Brown. April 2021.
-
"City of Yonkers to Honor DMX"
Revolt. Christopher Harris. April 2021.
-
"Dark Man X: The Resurrection"
GQ. Mark Anthony Green. September 2019
-
"DMX Announces US Tour Dates"
Vibe. Iyana Robertson. February 2014.
-
"DMX Inks New Def Jam Deal"
The Source Magazine. Miss2Bees. September 2019
-
"DMX Officially Ends Feud with Ja Rule"
All Hip Hop. Grouchy Greg Watson. September 2009.
-
"DMX Leaves a Legacy of Passion, Unparalledl Success, and Pain"
The Ringer. Justin Sayles. April 2021
-
"DMX Says Eminem Don't Want No Smoke, Insist on Battling Jay-Z"
Urban Islandz. Sasha Star. May 2020.
-
"DMX Says Turning Himself In Was The 'Best' Decision He Ever Made"
MTV. Shaheem Reid. July 2010.
-
"DMX Showed Me The Power When We Open Wounds in Art"
Essence. Shanita Hubbard. May 2021.
-
“DMX Tears Up NYC, Talks Album Delay and Fresh Start”
Billboard. Jason Lipshutz. February 2012.
-
"DMX Turned Agony and Atomic Energy Into One of Rap's Most Iconic Legacies"
GQ. Jeff Weiss. April 2021.
-
"DMX Working Nonstop on New Album, Calls Current Hip Hop Too Corny"
Billboard. Jason Lipshutz. August 2011.
-
"DMX, an Adopted Son of Philly"
Dosage Magazine. Bobbi Booker. April 2021.
-
"DMX: 16 Essential Songs"
Rolling Stone. Jayson Buford, Jeff Ihaza & Moses Reeves. April 2021.
-
"How DMX Found God"
Pitchfork. Clover Hope. April 2021.
-
"Swizz Beats Remembers DMX: He Lived His Life For Everyone Else"
Pitchfork. Noah Yoo. April 2021.
-
"The Telling of DMX's Life Story"
New York Times. John Caramanica & Pedro Rosado. April 2021.