By Maryam Akhundova / August 1, 2024
In this Artist Talk for the Trops, Amelia Alberti discusses the art world, anecdotes, and how Patti Astor influenced Hiphop culture and its current vanguard through the lens of Al Diaz and Kate Storch.
Amelia Alberti: “I have a question for both of you. We know that Patti brought subversive or subcultural art into the mainstream, making it widely recognized. Given her involvement in protests like the anti-Vietnam movement, she clearly had a revolutionary spirit. What aspects of her work do you feel are important to continue and preserve in today's culture?”
Kate Storch: “Look, it took me like 8 years to say I'm a curator because I think growing up in New York that s*** just sounds a little uppy, you know, but then I earned it through the work so I'm used to it more. But there are not really many people in the lineage of Patti, and I definitely feel very honored to continue it as the most important thing and what her whole purpose was is who represents the community, who is the most talented in the community and also making sure those people have a place to shine. I think we see it now all the time how some artists (and I respect everybody's hustle), but there are some incredible artists who just deserve amazing opportunities, so I think that's always been my goal and that's why I work with a lot of the same artists because they become family and you believe in what they do.”
Photo of Patti Astor Tribute Mural at FSG Park during the Yebaga Gebata event with the Trops
Amelia Alberti: “What about you Al?”
Al Diaz: “I mean I am still in touch with all the same people it's not like I have to try to maintain something. It's already pretty organic; it's been happening for 40, 50 years.”
Amelia Alberti: “ I wonder, and I'm not being ageist I swear, but you are older and I wonder because you are an elder do you feel any responsibility in that way?”
Al Diaz: “ Well, yeah, of course. I mean, I have to evolve too, but I do get stuck in the past, and that's kind of boring, since it doesn't go anywhere, but it is an obligation to correct history. When you read misinterpretation, if you have misunderstandings or believe in this kind of mythology, ‘cause like, you know, there's a lot of b*******. 90% of the s*** we read about, even current history, it is b*******, so if you were part of that scene or that world at the time, it is really important that if you catch somebody in a lie or exaggeration to say "nah, that's not true", you know. Because it just distorts history. I have great respect for artists, and it's definitely one of my biggest pet peeves (misinformation), so I think it's an obligation to respect the right history.”
Al Diaz
Al Diaz is an American artist and writer best known for his collaboration with Jean-Michel Basquiat on the SAMO graffiti project in the late 1970s. The duo created cryptic graffiti messages throughout Lower Manhattan, which played a significant role in the emergence of street art and the downtown New York art scene. Diaz continues to be active in the art world, working on various projects that maintain his roots in graffiti and urban culture.
@albert_diaz1
Photo Courtesy of Al Diaz
Kate Storch via Instagram
Kate Storch
Founder and curator of the “Landmark” series, celebrating hiphop culture in NYC. In a city that offers countless cultural events and activities, Landmark, curated by Kate Storch, cuts through the noise. Her third and biggest Landmark event just culminated in early spring 2024 and with her sharp observing eye, strong instinct, and love for hip-hop, she plans to elevate the Landmark series with each event. Kate curated a memorial show for Patti Astor in the Lower East Side at First Street Green Art Park.
@kate_NYC_
@fsgpark
Patti Astor
Patti Astor is an American actress, writer, and gallery owner known for her role in the early 1980s New York City art scene. She co-founded the influential Fun Gallery in 1981, which showcased works by graffiti artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf. The gallery was pivotal in bridging the gap between street art and the mainstream art world. Astor's background in the underground film scene also contributed to her unique perspective on the art community.
@pattiastor
Patti Astor with Keith Haring and LA 2’s The Smurfs at the FUN Gallery in February 1983. Photo by Eric Kroll
Full interview on Youtube