Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit
Client: The GRAMMY Museum
Services: Art Direction, Illustration, production design, interface UI/UX design
Year: 2023-2024
As the art director, I aimed to bring the visual storytelling of the culture to life, from the smallest caption to the full wall graphic murals to the interactive UI. Every design choice was rooted in the raw, DIY energy of old-school mixtapes—gritty, expressive, and unapologetically bold. I experimented with hand-drawn typography, layered textures, and handmade elements to capture the essence of hip-hop’s golden era, ensuring every piece feels authentic and lived-in. Working closely with the creative director, I refined my concepts through multiple rounds, exploring different styles and layouts before executing the final vision. Whether it’s designing interactive installations, crafting street-style posters, or creating immersive backdrops, my goal was to make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into the pages of hip-hop history.
About Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit
This expansive exhibit showcases the powerful influence of hip-hop music and culture in the U.S. and beyond since its emergence in the Bronx 50 years ago. The Mixtape Exhibit dives deep into the sounds, scenes, and history of hip-hop—exploring its impact on music, dance, graffiti, fashion, business, and activism. Visitors can experience rarely displayed artifacts from legends like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., MC Lyte, Lil Wayne, Slick Rick, Egyptian Lover, Eminem, and more. Plus, with five interactive stations, guests can create their own hip-hop music, immersing themselves in the culture that changed the world.
