MOS DEF: ECSTATIC MOMENTS - PHOTGRAPHS BY COGNITO

Mos Def: Ecstatic Moments - Photographs by Cognito, Opens Jan. 30, 2010

HVW8 Art & Design Gallery & Union LA Present a photo exhibition entitled MOS DEF: ECSTATIC MOMENTS. Photographer, filmmaker, visionist Cognito showcases rare performance and behind-the-scenes images captured during the two year journey of making and supporting the June 2009 release of "The Ecstatic".

This special one-week exhibition features candid photographs of Mos Def, including images from visits to the Cape of Great Hope, South Africa, performing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a powerful series of US Summer Tour "end-of-the-night posse shots" featuring such artists as Jay Electronica, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, and even a surprise guest appearance by the legendary Shuggie Otis. Cognito has also immortalized Mos Def in bright moments from "The Ecstatic" studio sessions with producers Madlib, OH NO, Preservation & Georgia Anne Muldrow. The photographs in this exhibit, soon to be published in book format, are offered by Mos Def to his family, friends and fans in order to share the many "ecstatic moments" he experiences while creating, recording, traveling and performing around the world.

The exhibition will be open to the public from January 30, 2010 through February 6, 2010 at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery, located at 661 N. Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles CA, 90036. (323) 655-HVW8(4898)

In addition to the photo exhibition, there will also be a limited edition t-shirt produced in conjunction with style destination Union LA.

- DREW