Collage artist Jazz Grant creates an expansive Jay-Z mural for Brooklyn Central Library

The Kent-based collage artist Jazz Grant has collaborated with Roc Nation to create a large mural paying tribute to the rapper Jay Z. Created as part of The Book of Hov, a free immersive exhibition taking place in Jay Z’s childhood New York borough of Brooklyn. Held in the area’s public library and celebrating the life and work of the world-renowned artist, the exhibition features “never-seen-before” images, art and ephemera. “In company with Jay-Z’s evolving current presence and influence, this artwork is a visual amalgamation of his historical, and ongoing mark on the world of culture, society and entertainment,” a press release details.

To complete the mural Jazz was given access to a large visual archive, featuring “never-seen-before” images, art and ephemera from the rapper’s career. Visually, the artist wanted the mural to have a cinematic feel, with each of the collage compositions being curated to look like a still from one of Jay Z’s iconic music videos. The mural also relies heavily on symbolism – “the concept of nature for growth and passing of time, crowd shots for his influence on society and his fans”, the press release continues. The murals backdrop pays homage to Jay Z’s roots, featuring Marcy, the housing projects he grew up in.

Producing the mural was an intensive process. Produced in Margate before being shipped to Brooklyn, all in all it took four months to complete. Imagery from the archive – often at a small scale – needed to be blown up in size, while maintaining a high resolution. This process of printing out, hand cutting, curating and collaging Jazz completed in collaboration with VisionCurate an all female creative direction and production studio.

Jazz Grant is a Kent-based collage artist who typically works in analog collage and stop-motion animation work. She studied Menswear at London College of Fashion, where she discovered her love of non-digital pattern making and composition. In 2021 we chatted to the artist about her practice and process, you can find the interview here.