Danny Hastings

THE WU-TANG CLAN HOLDS COURT IN A TABLEAU WORTHY OF A RENAISSANCE PAINTING

Reimagining the legendary Hip Hop super group the Wu-Tang Clan in a Renaissance worthy tableau of 'biblical' proportions, the current lot is a prime example of the dynamic and imposing photography of Danny Hastings. A crucial collaborator with the Clan, Hastings captures the raw energy and vitality of the group in brooding, almost sinister tones of deep red and gold. Each of the members appear practically aloof with power in the semi-theatrical setting, either staring straight at the camera or conversing off to the side.

It conveys a historic moment worthy of the game-changing group, adding an elevated visual language to a genre coming to define itself on its own terms. Hastings and his work with the Clan would encapsulate their gritty, dynamic, and charged artistry that would dominate the Hip Hop landscape of the early 90s - a time marked by Hastings and his visual diary of the genre.

A creative dynamo and entrepreneur, Danny Hastings has photographed over 150 album covers and directed over 40 music videos working alongside artists as diverse as Nas, Taylor Momsen, Marc Anthony, Jodeci, Wu-Tang Clan, Eminem, Prince Royce, KRS-One, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest and Jeru the Damaja.

Hastings has also made an impact in the world of advertising by directing and producing branded content for companies like NASCAR, Sprint, Colgate, Unilever, Samsung, MTV, DraftKings, Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, and VIACOM. In 2015, Hastings founded the annual Official Latino Film Festival to provide opportunities to Latinx filmmakers and actors in the U.S. due to the lack of representation of his community in film and TV. He currently holds the position of Artist in Residency for Nahrep, the biggest Latino organization in the U.S.

Most recently he directed two music videos for RZA released in 2022. These recent productions come full circle to solidify the longevity of his career in Hip Hop music and the long standing relationship he has cultivated through the years with its pioneers.

Provenance:

Courtesy of the photographer

Condition Report:

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