Since its inception in the late 1970s, hip hop has become hugely influential in America. The six artists and one poet included in the exhibition, have approached hip hop culture through the lens of portraiture, and, in combination, their contributions highlight its vitality and beauty.

During his tenure as chief photographer for Condé Nast’s Vanity Fair from 1923 to1936, Edward Steichen created compelling portraits of many of that era’s most celebrated personalities.

This was the inaugural exhibition of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The images were selected from the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. The theme; African American resistance across 150 years of American history.