Art: Over 50 Years of Graffiti and 150 Works from Phillips New York

1970s / GRAFFITI / TODAY is a major and exciting exhibition spanning over fifty years of graffiti, curated by Arnold Lehman, with Elizabeth Wallace.

GRAFFITI includes works by abroad cross-section of those who forged the graffiti hubs of New York and Los Angeles. Comprised of approximately 150 works consigned by artists, galleries and private collectors, the exhibition represents both the long history and far-reaching reach of graffiti. GRAFFITI also includes major loans from the Sidney Janis collection at the Brooklyn Museum.

Curators: Arnold Lehman, joined Phillips in 2015 as Senior Advisor. Mr. Lehman advises on the Phillips global brand, develops academic programs such as panel discussions and lectures, and organizes exhibitions in support of Phillips' commitment to modern and contemporary art. As an activist museum director for over forty years, Lehman has advocated for public accessibility, diversity, and freedom of expression in cultural institutions. In his 18 years as director of the Brooklyn Museum, over 200 exhibitions have been presented under his leadership, many of which travel nationally and internationally. Elizabeth Wallace worked at Phillips for nine years. During her time with the company, she has provided invaluable support, working with Arnold Lehman on past exhibitions NOMEN: American Women Artists from 1945 to Today and AMERICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN. Prior to her time at Phillips, Wallace held positions at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Cover image:

Gusmano Cesaretti, Chaz with spray can, East Los Angeles, 1973