Atlanta’s influential streetwear boutique WISH ATL is opening THE GALLERY, a space dedicated to the brand’s longstanding mission of driving aesthetic creativity and innovation. Adjacent to the flagship store in the heart of Atlanta’s Little Five Points, THE GALLERY opens with inaugural exhibition “Then & Now,” a solo exhibition of Martha Cooper’s iconic street art photography (on view Feb. 10-March 2). The community is invited to celebrate at a free opening night party on Saturday, February 10, from 8-11 p.m.
We wanted a space that could encompass everything that our customers know, love and enjoy,” says WISH ATL owner Lauren Amos. “THE GALLERY provides a platform for creatives across the world to showcase their work without restraint and offers a much-needed outlet for community dialogue.”
THE GALLERY by WISH ATL aims to inspire collaboration, creativity, and meaningful conversations about self-expression by showcasing a wide range of international and local artists whose work resonates with young makers, doers, and thinkers. A diverse calendar of events and exhibits will showcase both established and emerging artists, while allowing appreciators to purchase art, apparel and other goods.
THE GALLERY is spearheaded by curator Monica Campana, Living Walls executive director and an esteemed public arts leader in the U.S. For nearly a decade, Campana has orchestrated public art projects and exhibitions around the world. She most recently curated an exhibition at the Artmossphere Biennale in Moscow, Russia. Campana is focused on providing opportunities to artists of all backgrounds while using art to spur dialogue about critical issues.
“Then & Now” features over 40 new editions of Martha Cooper’s legendary 1970s and 1980s graffiti and hip-hop photographs, including iconic black-and-white photos from her books “New York State of Mind,” “Street Play,” and “Tokyo Tattoo.”
Throughout 40 years, Cooper set out to capture the bold creativity seen on the streets and subways of New York and abroad. That fast-paced, grassroots artistry later became the biggest art movement the world had ever seen: graffiti. Chronicling street art from its earliest days, Cooper has created some of the most beloved and well-known images that immortalize this global arts phenomenon.
“Then & Now” includes Cooper’s most recent portraits of contemporary street artists at work, including a collection of photos taken during Living Walls Atlanta in 2012 and 2013. Collectors and appreciators are able to purchase a collection of Cooper’s books at THE GALLERY, including “Subway Art,” “Hip Hop Files,” and “Tokyo Tattoo.”
The following inaugural events are free and open to the public:
- 10: Free opening night party from 8-11 p.m.
- 11: Artist talk with Martha Cooper from 4pm-7pm
- 17: Curator talk with Monica Campana from 4pm-7pm
- 24: Panel discussion with Atlanta street artists from 4pm-7pm
After the Feb. 10 opening, gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
