Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

At The Hunter: The Big Apple Graffiti Art Of “City As Canvas”

WUTC | By Ray Bassett

Published November 8, 2024 at 6:52 PM EST

From “City As Canvas: Graffiti Art From The Martin Wong Collection.”

Graffiti dates back centuries - with samples found from Ancient Rome to Mayan ruins to medieval churches in England.

In New York City during the 1970’s, graffiti was considered underground and illicit - often spraypainted by teenagers on buildings and subways.

Martin Wong began to collect samples of that graffiti from the writers who would later have prominent careers in the arts, fashion and music.

“City as Canvas: Graffiti Arts from the Martin Wong Collection” is an exhibition now on display at the Hunter Museum of American Art here in Chattanooga through January 13th.

Sean Corcoran is the Senior Curator of Prints and Photographs at the Museum of the City of New York, which curated the exhibition.

I spoke with him - and Nandini Makrandi, the Hunter’s chief curator.