Idealist Propaganda – Glen E. Friedman Exhibit

A few weeks ago, I visited my brother DFLO for his birthday in LA. We partied it up and I got the honor of DJing his party at the Mandrake. One of the highlights of the weekend was hanging out that Saturday at the Sublimnal Projects Gallery which my brother manages. So I got to spend a few hours hanging out with Shepard Fairey and Glen E. Friedman. Beyond the coolness of hanging out with these two art icons, it was really amazing to see how Glen was there for so much of the beginning of punk, skate, and hip-hop culture. I think our current hip-hop generation really underestimates how much the three intersect in the genesis days. Another thought was that how much Russell Simmons and Def Jam really ran the culture in the 80’s. Say what you may about what those two are now but RS and DJ really were tastemakers in those early years. More pics and video after the jump. And much props to my brother for putting this exhibit together. I know it was a lot of work! Thanks to GG for the video and reminder to post these pics.

A classic Beastie shot. Word is that Beastie stopped shoots with Glen b/c Brett Ratner was Glen's asst. And we know how much of an asshole Brett is.

Word is that this is the first documentation of someone getting air on a skateboard- circa 1977?. Glen was also a pioneer with using the fisheye lens. Without him, there would be no Hype Williams or Thrasher covers.

The original Kings of Queens. RUSH is in the building!

Glen caught a young Tony Hawk while he was still an amatuer. Greatness caught at such a young age.

my brother was very proud of installing this wall set-up. Wish I got more Public Enemy pics but they didn't come out well.

I caught a candid moment where Glen was shooting Shepard