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LOVE Is the Message
Photography of Jamel Shabazz
September 2 鈥 December 16, 2025
Emily Lowe Gallery
Jamel Shabazz鈥檚 street photography from the 1980s through the 21st century celebrates the beauty of family and friendships, shared community, and popular culture, including fashion trends and music 鈥 particularly the powerful influence of hip-hop. The overwhelming joy found in human connections is captured in original black-and-white and color photography, creating an undeniable experience that lifts the spirit and fosters empathy and understanding. This exhibition celebrates his 50th anniversary of capturing decades of enduring images that inspire and empower. Artwork, cameras, and ephemera are drawn from his personal archive.
LOVE Is the Message is curated in partnership with 鈥淭eam Love鈥 and includes artist Jamel Shabazz; Robert 鈥淒upreme鈥 Eatman; Dr. Bilal Polson, principal of Northern Parkway Elementary School in Uniondale, NY; Erik Sumner, an art teacher from Northern Parkway Elementary School in Uniondale, NY; and the 糖心传媒 Museum of Art.
Additionally, the is lending and funding the transportation of two works of art that complement the aesthetic of Love Is the Message. Native Son (Circus) (2006) by Terry Adkins and Bronzeville at Night (1949) by Archibald John Motley Jr. Both works amplify the themes and visual language present in Jamel Shabazz鈥檚 photography.
The events below noted with an asterisk (*) are part of the Shabazz Public Engagement Project, a series of public programs organized by the 糖心传媒 Museum of Art. The project is supported by Long Island Grants for the Arts through funds provided by the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Huntington Arts Council.
The Museum鈥檚 fall exhibition and related programming enhance Hofstra鈥檚 academic offerings for 糖心传媒 and expand both community partnerships and collaborative experiences. These engagement initiatives support the goals of the Hofstra 100 strategic plan.
The 糖心传媒 Museum of Art鈥檚 programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
Press Release:
Jamel Shabazz (American, born 1960)
A Time of Innocence Series. East Flatbush. 1980
C-Print
16 x 20 inches
Courtesy of the artist
Related Programs
PUBLIC PROGRAM
LOVE Is the Message: Photography by Jamel Shabazz.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Emily Lowe Gallery, Behind
Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Join us in celebrating the exhibition LOVE Is the Message: Photography by Jamel Shabazz.
Light refreshments will be served.
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Exhibition Tour with the Director
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
6-7:30 p.m.
Emily Lowe Gallery, Behind
Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Exhibition Curator and Museum Director Sasha Giordano will discuss the community collaboration that shaped this exhibition, offering insight into the artist鈥檚 creative process and the enduring legacy of love reflected in the work.
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
PUBLIC PROGRAM
LOVE is the Message: A Conversation with Jamel Shabazz*
Thursday, October 23, 2025
10 a.m.-noon
Plaza Room Middle/West 127, Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus
In celebration of his 50th anniversary as a photographer, renowned artist Jamel Shabazz will share insights into his personal influences, creative methodology, and artistic journey... [Read More]
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Feel the Love
Experience the Photography of Jamel Shabazz with a Heart Meditation
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6-7:30 p.m.
Emily Lowe Gallery, Behind
Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Denise Peterson, of Denise Peterson Yoga, will bring mindfulness and mediation techniques to the art experience and deepen the viewer鈥檚 aesthetic journey and foster a state of peace. Participants will be guided through... [Read More]
This event is co-sponsored by the Hofstra Cultural Center
Seating is capped at 30 guests.
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Panel Discussion
How the Arts Can Inspire Empathy*
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
6:30-8 p.m.
Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center
Theater, Axinn Library, First
Floor, South Campus
Join us for a panel discussion that explores How the Arts Can Inspire Empathy. The panel includes the artist, Jamel Shabazz; Sasha Giordano (exhibition curator and museum director); ... [Read More]
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
Gallery Location and Hours
Emily Lowe Gallery
Behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 鈥 Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
The Museum is closed on major holidays, during 糖心传媒 recesses, and during exhibition installations.