Roots Down

We’ve been living in the age of the mash-up for over a decade, with enterprising, savvy DJs stretching the limits of copyright and pop decency. Occasionally the results are brilliant, as with Dangermouse’s Grey Album. Other times, it’s simply a cut and paste job. Anyone remember Jay-Zeezer, which combined Weezer...

By Jason P. Woodbury

May 5, 2011

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We’ve been living in the age of the mash-up for over a decade, with enterprising, savvy DJs stretching the limits of copyright and pop decency. Occasionally the results are brilliant, as with Dangermouse’s Grey Album. Other times, it’s simply a cut and paste job. Anyone remember Jay-Zeezer, which combined Weezer with Jay-Z? It was typical of the art form’s constraints, weakening both source materials in the hackneyed process of trying to smash them together.

In rare instances, though, the mash-up can be positively innovative. Take Project Next Movement, a collaborative art project in which 10 photos of hip-hop band The Roots, shot by local photographer Sol.Exposure, are printed to canvas and painted over by urban artist Adam Dumper (a.k.a. Dumperfoo). The results retain the intimate nature of the images while imbuing them with Dumper’s dynamic sense of action and color. The showcase, which is takes over 5 and 6 Gallery through May 19, will also feature a floor-to-ceiling mural designed by Dumperfoo.

An opening reception takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, at 7051 East Fifth Avenue in Scottsdale.
Fri., May 6, 7 p.m., 2011

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Jason P. Woodbury is a music and pop-culture writer based in Phoenix. He is a regular contributor to the music blog Aquarium Drunkard and co-host of the Transmissions podcast.

Contact: Jason P. Woodbury

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Twitter: @Jasonpwoodbury