"In Black and White"

art In hip-hop culture, when something is hot, itís "ill." A big and often neglected part of that culture are the "visu-ills," or the art. Enter "In Black and White," the brainchild of two of Phillyís best-kept artistic secrets, Saga-Moor and Soul-One. Executed in mixed black-and-white mediums with markers, chalk, ink, Wite-Out, charcoal, crayons and paint, the exhibit powerfully juxtaposes the opposite values of the colors. In Four Elements, a large four-part photo panel series, Saga captures daughter Zola in his lens, intertwining natureís elements -- earth, wind, water and fire -- with love and grace. Also on the photo front, he brings to life high-contrast images of varied subjects, from street-corner boys to a cognac bottle standing alone on a bar countertop. In a passionate ode to hip-hop luminaries like Nas, The Notorious B.I.G. and Rakim, Soul-Oneís Tape Sessions elevates the long-forgotten audiocassette tape to worship status. Using four to six framed panels and over 160 tapes, Soul silk-screened the tape covers and quoted classic lyrics in an amazing historical display. In a world where most things are viewed in black and white, this exhibition reveals the many shades of gray and a deep reserve of creativity.

“In Black and White,” opening reception Fri., Sept. 5, 6-9 p.m., $2 requested donation (attendees dressed in black and white are admitted free), with DJ Major Taylor; exhibition runs through Sept. 26, M Restaurant and Lounge, 126 Chestnut St. Call 215-235-4029 for more information.

—Ainé Ardron-Doley