Screaming Eagle (Get A Grip) Photograph

I was a first wave rock and roller who hated rap. When the new-born hip-hop culture first swaggered down from Harlem and the South Bronx in the late 1970s, I was impressed by the graffiti but not the music. And like my parents' view of rock and roll I believed it would quickly pass. But after three decades of trying to ignore it I thought it high time to get to know it a little better. Since I lived within walking distance of 5Pointz (once the global epicenter the culture) I was able to regularly visit the site for almost a year, and in so doing become familiar with the scene, snapping the art and rapping with the artist who schooled me on what was hip and who was stale. The following year I sat down at my computer in an attempted to transform the words and pictures into something I could better relate to, including snatches of lyrics hidden in the composition. Through that process I confirmed that I had good reason to be repulsed by most rap recordings and some related street art. However I did go away with a new respect for some of it. As I write this description there is a massive condo development rising where 5Pointz once stood, supposedly, a gallery of graffiti planned for its lobby. "Screaming Eagle" is the title I choice for this piece, but I don't remember why. I just remember that it was inspired by the hip hop group, Death Grips and their rap, "Beware", released a year or two after I photographed the art work at 5Pointz. I do remember that when I was photographing the art, the group's name had been mentioned often as a band that was coming on strong with a reputation for innovation and powerful poetry. What I included in the composition is an abbreviation of the opening rhyme of the rap, which is: I close my eyes and seize it I clinch my fist and beat it I light my torch and burn it I am the beast I worship Number 2 of a limited edition of 100 signed and dated prints printed on Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper 260gsm. Package includes a signed copy of the description above.