Jamal Shabazz's First Solo Exhibition on Long Island: 'Love is the Message'

Homecoming for a Visual Artist

• 📸 Jamal Shabazz, a world-renowned photographer from Long Island, is having his first solo exhibition on his home turf at Hofstra University's Museum of Art.
• 🖼️ His powerful solo exhibit, titled 'Love is the Message', features images captured over five decades, focusing on the soul of American society, particularly in New York City's urban areas.

The Essence of Shabazz's Photography

• ❤️ Shabazz states that 'Love' is the cornerstone of every image in the show, a theme inspired by a 1975 song and a desire to counter the hate and disunity he witnessed growing up.
• 💡 He looks for 'love' when taking pictures, aiming to capture moments that reflect connection and humanity.
• 📍 His work often focuses on overlooked urban communities, with a favorite section called 'A Time of Innocence', depicting everyday people and situations reminiscent of his youth.

Artistic Vision and Inspiration

• 👁️ Shabazz carries his camera everywhere, having taken hundreds of thousands of photographs, many of which are housed in prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Smithsonian.
• 👨‍Photographer Jamal Shabazz's father, a professional Navy photographer, was his first inspiration, teaching him to always have his camera ready and to be observant and curious.

Community and Accessibility

• 🏛️ Sasha Jordano, the museum director, expressed honor in hosting a legend like Shabazz for his first solo exhibition on Long Island.
• 👨‍🎨 Art teacher Eric Sumner emphasizes the importance of children and families in the community seeing themselves reflected in the art displayed at the museum.
• 🎟️ The Hofstra University Museum of Art is open to students, the public, and the community, with this exhibit running until December 16th.