To further enlighten audiences, Samuel E Vázquez’s Style & Frequency lecture shares context and personal insight on the roots of his work and the place it came from: New York City.
In order to survive New York City’s 1970s and 80s oppressive conditions (i.e. Redlining, Urban Renewal, Gentrification, Housing Discrimination, Wealth Disparity, Corrupt Public Policies) and to compensate for the lack of art and music education in schools, the youth took to the streets—where their unbound energy and creativity found an expressive outlet. This outlet became a coping mechanism—an escape from the reality of their existence.
The expression was birthed out of a sense of worth and accomplishment against a society that seemingly neglected them. This was a direct response to the conditions—a shout to be heard, to be acknowledged; “I am somebody, you won’t ignore me.”
In a short time, this expression turned into a bold and uncompromising “voice.” A resilient statement reflected through art, music, lyrical and rhythmic poetry, dance, fashion, sports, entertainment (i.e. roller skating), and attitude.
“Dirty, dangerous, and destitute. This was New York City in the 1970s… on the verge of bankruptcy… abandoned buildings and widespread poverty.” – Allan Tannenbaum
“People that grow up in an oppressive type of society are always looking for medicine. And for us cultural expression [style writing/graffiti, breaking, and music] is the medicine.” – Popmaster Fabel
Upcoming Lectures
Spring 2026 (TBA)
Selected Past Lectures
2024 • Jordan College of the Arts, Butler University
2024 • Richard E. Peeler Art Center, DePauw University
2021 • Cultural Manifesto, NPR
2020 • Good Vibrations, WQRT
2019 • Indiana Arts Homecoming Conference
2019 • Indiana State Museum
2018 • Richard E. Peeler Art Center, DePauw University
2017 • The Toby, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
2017 • Deboest Lecture Hall, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
2016 • Gallery 924, Arts Council of Indianapolis
2014 • New York City College of Technology—CUNY
2014 • Clowes Auditorium, Indianapolis Public Library Central
2014 • IPS School for Inquiry
2014 • Beard Arts Center, Indiana Wesleyan University
2013 • Guion Creek MS, MSD Pike
2013 • The Krannert Room, Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler Arts Center
2013 • Herron High School
2013 • The Toby, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
2012 • Cuyahoga Community College, Tri-C Cleveland
2011 • New York City College of Technology—CUNY
2010 • University Library, IU Indianapolis
Made possible, in part, with the generous support of:
National Endowment for the Arts
Indiana Humanities
IU Indianapolis Arts & Humanities Institute
Arts Council of Indianapolis
The work of sv
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Videos and images used on this page
Documentaries:
Decade of Fire (2018)
Style Wars (1983)
Logotype:
The work of sv
Photographs:
Joe Conzo
Martha Cooper
Henry Chalfant