exhibition

Dana Lixenberg
Tupac Biggie XXX MAQAM

In a special collaboration, Foam and MAQAM are proud to present Dana Lixenberg’s famed portraits of Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG. The exhibition dives into these iconic images, with the space transformed by graphic artist Linda van Deursen. Come and see the series at MAQAM, a creative space in Amsterdam-West.

Tupac, Atlanta, GA 1993, contactsheet © Dana Lixenberg, courtesy of the artist and GRIMM Amsterdam | London | New York
Biggie, New York, NY 1996, contactsheet © Dana Lixenberg, courtesy of the artist and GRIMM Amsterdam | London | New York

The exhibition dives into the ongoing evolution of the iconic images of Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG – which have transcended various mediums, from heartfelt graffiti tributes to playful nods in animations like the Simpsons – and displays images from the eponymous book Tupac Biggie which include the contactsheets from Lixenberg’s shoots with the two iconic rappers.

Join us for the festive opening during ADE

Join us on 19 October from 18:00 for the festive opening of the exhibition Dana Lixenberg – Tupac Biggie XXX MAQAM. We'll be celebrating with a hip-hop block party with music by DJ Mack en DJ Taketwo, and a special side act by DJ Amazulu.

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Opening Olgaç Bozalp & Talk event Maqam, 2023 © Foam. Photo Maarten Nauw

About the artist

Dana Lixenberg 

A prominent figure in portrait and documentary photography, Amsterdam-born Dana Lixenberg has an influential body of work, with her '90s portraits of Tupac and Biggie being notably iconic. With accolades like the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize for "Imperial Courts 1993-2015", her most extensive project to date, her contributions resonate from Foam Amsterdam, The Photographers’ Gallery, London, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, LACP, Los Angeles and many more. 

About the artist

Linda van Deursen 

Pioneering in modern graphic design, Linda van Deursen's designs span from books to spatial installations. Educated at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, her works have global influence, with highlights including her tenure at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK), and her role as a senior critic at Yale School of Art. 

About MAQAM

MAQAM is a creative space for local residents, talent and creatives in the heart of Kolenkit, Amsterdam. Foam organizes exhibitions and activities in MAQAM together with residents, schools and other communities of Amsterdam West.

MAQAM is made possible by the VandenEnde Foundation.

Foam is supported by the VriendenLoterij, Foam Members, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, VandenEnde Foundation and the Gemeente Amsterdam.

Biggie, New York, NY 1996, contactsheet   Copyright Dana Lixenberg    Courtesy of the artist and GRIMM Amsterdam | London | New York

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Dana Lixenberg
Tupac Biggie XXX MAQAM