Graffiti Artists from Two Nations Collaborate at Trinity College

During the first week of November, Trinity College connected graffiti artist-activists from Dakar, Senegal and Hartford for a creative collaboration outside Trinfo Cafe on Broad Street.

The demonstration was one of three stops for the visiting artists in Hartford as part of Hip-Hop History Month. The event series was titled “Jokko,” which means “connection,” “communication,” or “link” in Wolof, the most widely spoken language in Senegal and the Gambia, said Seth Markle, associate professor of history and international studies. Markle organized the event with Doyle Calhoun, assistant professor of language and culture studies.

“This brings together hip-hop and graffiti artist-activists from Dakar and Hartford to spark connections and exchange around the themes of urban art forms, political activism, and Black Internationalism,” said Markle.

Also in Hartford, Simon and Docta, of Senegal, as well as local artists Bap Pack, including Hydro and Self Suffice–Khaiim “Self Suffice the RapOet” Kelly ’03–Lindaluz, Poptart, and Versatile Poetiq, participated in a panel discussion at the Hartford Public Library and performed a history through rap at the fire pits outside Trinity’s Cornelia Center.

Images by Nick Caito, staff photographer.