a2 is a new "public art" initiative created through access to a storefront window on the edge of New York City’s Soho and Chinatown. Developed by anonymous gallery, with support from R13, each presentation will feature one artwork from renowned artists who are known for often making challenging and thoughtfully conceptual statements. Working in close association with artists, estate representatives, and collaborators, the project seeks to not only highlight a singular example of artwork, but to inform a passing audience of the artists’ history and significance through various online and in-person activations. Exploring each artists’ contributions to the history of art, fashion, music, architecture, and the city at large, a2 is an opportunity for unexpected discovery and engagement.

a2 is proud to announce its first installation featuring a significant work by the legendary photographer Jamel Shabazz. Courtesy of, and in collaboration with Galerie Bene Taschen, the artwork will be installed and available for public viewing - twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week from September 10 - November 10, 2021 outside of 34 Howard Street, New York, NY 10013.

Jamel Shabazz (Born in 1960 in Brooklyn (New York). Lives and works in New York)

Shabazz was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of fifteen, he picked up his first camera and started to document his peers. Inspired by photographers Leonard Freed, James Van Der Zee, and Gordon Parks, he was marveled with their documentation of the African American community. In 1980 as a concerned photographer with a clear vision he embarked on a mission to extensively document various aspects of life in New York City, from youth culture to a wide range of social conditions. Due to its spontaneity and uniqueness, the streets and subway system became backdrops for many of his photographs.

Shabazz says his goal is to contribute to the preservation of world history and culture. In the past 10 years he has had over two dozen solo exhibitions; from Argentina to The Netherlands, England, Italy, Germany, France, Japan and throughout the United States. His iconic photos have been widely published and collected in nine monographs. In addition, his autonomous work is included in the collections of museums such as the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York), The Bronx Museum of the Arts (New York) and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (Washington). In 2018, Shabazz received a Gordon Parks Foundation Award.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:  

Jamel Shabazz .