AL DIAZ AT BROOKLYN MADE
CORNER GALLERY
NEW YORK GRAFFITI LEGEND AL DÍAZ
OPENS NEW ART EXHIBIT AT INDUSTRY CITY IN BROOKYLN
On Friday, September 1st, the Brooklyn Made Store will join forces with Collect With Lulu and Silvertuna Studio to bring new artwork by globally-recognized graffiti pioneer Al Díaz to the Corner Gallery at Industry City. The Brooklyn-based legend will appear at the store's gallery as part of the exhibit's opening for a book signing at the new Brooklyn Made Store, which opened in Brooklyn’s Industry City in May 2023 and highlights the work of Brooklyn artists, makers, and creators.
Born and raised in New York City, Al Díaz was known by age 15 as a prolific and influential, first-generation subway graffiti artist. During the early 70s, his popular and recognized name was “BOMB-1.” Díaz is best known for his friendship with Jean-Michel Basquiat and collaboration on SAMO©…, a well-known graffiti project appearing in lower Manhattan from 1978 to 1980. The tag and text slogans became known quickly on the streets and in the local newspaper media because of their wit and sardonic humor. Since Basquiat’s rise to fame, the SAMO©… legend has become a globally recognized graffito and has been celebrated as cutting social commentary throughout contemporary art history.
Brooklyn based artist Al Diaz creations have always been meant to evoke emotion. In 1978, the Village Voice revealed Diaz and Basquiat as the teen authors behind SAMO which had become a cultural phenomenon throughout the streets of New York. Decades later their witty and poetic graffito now garners the attention of art lovers worldwide.
"Graffiti and hip-hop culture started in New York fifty years ago and swept across the whole world, a cultural movement with rich ties to Brooklyn and all across the five boroughs," said Gabby Napolitano, Creative Director & General Manager at the Brooklyn Made Store. "We are excited to be able to present and honor the work of this art-world icon. "
"This exhibit is another great opportunity to share my story and my art to the world," shared Al Díaz. "When we were doing our SAMO graffiti back in 1978, we didn’t realize we were about to change the game."
This exhibition is a personal thank you to Brooklyn where Díaz’s art and family have deep roots and will be open through September 30th. A collection of original fine art, limited editions, merchandise, and books will be on view and available for purchase. Visit Brooklyn Made Corner Gallery at 51 35th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11232.
