Maï Lucas, a young photographer from Paris, Grown up in the middle of the Parisian hip hop culture of the 80's. Since 1992 she has invested herself in a vast documentary project on the urban culture of the multiple ethnic communities of the United States and in particular from New York City.  Beside her collaborations for press magazines, Maï began several journeys on the on the east coast. "The first Hip Hop meetings took place in parks and street corners (block party's), this was the moment chosen by the dj's, MC's and breakers to compete in talent and forget for a while the harsh side of live. It is during these festive and improvised gatherings that the Hip Hop culture is born. " 20 years later, it is on Jones Beach, Long Island, situated at one and a half hour from Manhattan, that is organized the Greek Fest, where can be found the latest clothing and musical tendencies. "The Greek Fest is a popular happening where I make it every year to observe attitudes and the way of life of the afro-American youth. "This show titled New York City Ghetto Shine, testifies the reality of thousands of young people throughout the United States, who perpetrate the source of the hip hop creation.

© Speerstra Gallery