Nassau County Museum of Art made a daring bet when it planned exhibitions devoted to the work of graffiti artists and their urban street art movement of New York’s early 1980s.
The bet paid off as record-breaking crowds from all over Long Island and New York City showed up for the invitation-only preview of these exhibitions, Kenny Scharf and Glamorous Graffiti: Basquiat, Crash, Haring & more. Visitors were especially intrigued by Scharf’s amazing “Cosmic Cavern,” a black-lit club-type environment made up entirely of trash. Scharf’s giant “Pop Renaissance” panels also drew oohs and aahs from the attendees. One visitor commented, “I’ve never seen such a happy crowd at a preview.” Referring to Scharf, she continued, “It must be wonderful to create art that makes people smile.”
These exhibits remain on view through July 10. For museum information, log onto www.nassaumuseum.org or call 516-484-9337.
