SoCalNOMA General Body Meeting
July 27th, 2023
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Please RSVP by 7/25 - FREE
Location: Helms Bakery District, 8707 Washington Blvd Culver City, CA. 90232
Parking: FREE Valet Parking adjacent exhibit space, if full Self Parking surrounding Helms.
Theme:
I. Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture Exhibition Viewing
II. Unearthing a Black Aesthetic: Conversation with Demar Matthews & Kevin Sherrod
Exhibition Overview:
“Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture” explores the multidimensional influence of Hip-Hop on our urban fabric. Curated and designed by Sekou Cooke, and jointly presented by SoCalNOMA - Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, the A+D Architecture and Design Museum>Los Angeles, and Helms Bakery District, this dynamic exhibition dives into the rich and vibrant world of hip hop, from its fundamental elements of emceeing, b-boying, and graffiti, to its influence on the world of design and architecture.
The exhibition shows how hip-hop has been translated into the creation of innovative spaces and structures, effectively introducing a new narrative in architecture. The works on display include groundbreaking contributions from students, academics, and practitioners, ranging from experimental visualizations and innovative installations to façade studies and urban development proposals. Also on show: a wall newly graffitied by Los Angeles writers and artist PRIME!
"Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip Hop Architecture" is more than an exhibition. It's a journey into a revolutionary design movement, revealing a shared vision for the future of architecture that's deeply rooted in the core ethos of hip-hop: identity, process, and aesthetics.
Conversation Overview:
Los Angeles-based architectural designer and theorist, Demar Matthews, Principal of OffTop Design and adjunct faculty at Long Beach City College, will be in conversation with Kevin Sherrod, Arts and Culture Practice Area Leader from Gensler, LA and design faculty at USC. They will discuss offTOP’s work in the development of a Black architectural language, how their visions align, as well as their collaborative work, which investigates the power of architecture as a cultural signifier and vehicle of traditions, values, and identity for Black communities.
