B+ (aka Brian Cross) was born and raised in Limerick, he received a BFA from NCAD and then moved to Los Angeles in 1990 to study photography at the California Institute of the Arts.

Cross aspired to conceptual art but was inspired by hiphop.  He began photographing the hiphop community in Los Angeles in 1991. Thirty-two years later and B+ has photographed hip-hop luminaries from Kendrick Lamar, J Dilla, Madlib, Eazy E, Lauryn Hill and the Notorious BIG in intimate moments. His photos have also been used as artwork for over 200 album covers by artists including DJ Shadow (for Entroducing), Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus, Q-Tip, RZA, Thundercat and Jurrassic 5.

Cross has also directed several films and many music videos. He runs a production company named Mochilla in partnership with Eric Coleman.  He is currently Associate Professor of Visual Arts at the University of California, San Diego.

This photo essay celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of Hiphop and was curated specifically for this space.  It is open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm during Galway International Arts Festival.  Admission is free!

A selection of films by Brian+ will also show in the museum from 23-30 July.

Associated Events:

Brian Cross in converation with Ray ‘Wingnut’ Cuddihy

Vinyl Hours