Ali’s journey into art began with graffiti, where he constantly worked to refine his style, drawing inspiration from hanging out with legends like Seen, referred to as The Godfather of Graffiti. In the early ’80s, Ali began painting subway trains, executing top-to-bottom whole cars, and writing on various train lines throughout NYC. He also started various entrepreneurial ventures, launching a custom airbrushed T-shirt and art business. This period was not just about exploring his artistry; it also influenced his academic focus, leading him to Lehman High School and eventually to LIU CW Post Campus, where he majored in graphic design before switching to art education.
Ali Shama, born and raised in the Bronx, has a life story deeply intertwined with the roots of hip-hop culture. From his back porch, he would watch the IRT #6 train roll by, about five miles from the birthplace of hip-hop. Immersed in the vibrant scenes of the 1970s and 1980s, Ali’s early years were shaped by the worlds of graffiti, emceeing, DJing, breakdancing, and entrepreneurship. His love for creativity and the thrill of graffiti laid the groundwork for his artistic journey.
While teaching at his alma mater, Lehman High School, Ali pursued a Master of Fine Arts at Lehman College. Here, he developed his unique style, “Hip Hop Cubism,” a fusion of graffiti and Cubism. He delved into the works of Cubist masters like Picasso, Georges Braque, and Juan Gris, combining the shapes and colors of Cubsim with the fusion of Graffiti Art in his painting, printmaking, and sculpture works. His passion for painting and art-making drove him to explore this form deeply, marking a significant phase in his career.
Ali’s journey took a turn towards technology when he learned to use Adobe Illustrator for color separations for serigraphs during his MFA program. This experience paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures and, later, a return to education to develop technology programs. After 28 years in education creating spaces for students to explore and showcase their creativity, Ali has come full circle, dedicating himself to further refining and developing Hip Hop Cubism.
Ali Shama’s story is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one’s unique voice in the art world. His contribution to art through Hip Hop Cubism celebrates his roots and bridges traditional and contemporary forms, defining him as a key innovator in the dialogue between street art and classical artistic techniques.
Ali Shama email : alishama@gmail.com