Work by Photography Legend Chi Modu ‘84 on Exhibit at The Hutchins Galleries

By Kaci Treasure

Chi Modu ‘84, a photojournalist, documentarian, and cultural enthusiast with a career spanning decades, gave viewers a unique glimpse into the world's candid beauty. Lawrenceville is honored to showcase his work in "Uncategorized: Fortune Favors the Bold" at its Hutchins Gallery from April 29 - June 8, 2024. An opening reception will be held on June 1, in the Hutchins Gallery, beginning at 4 p.m.

Educated at The Lawrenceville School, Rutgers University, and the International Center for Photography, Modu began his career as a photographer with the New York Amsterdam News before moving on to The Source magazine as Director of Photography. He photographed some of the biggest names in hip-hop at the time and created the cover art for more than 30 issues of The Source. He not only defined and documented one of the most important phases of the hip hop movement, but was also able to humanize the artists presenting them as real people, rather than one-dimensional celebrities. He later founded diverseimages.com (which evolved into ephotos) with the goal of making the world’s images accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

His best known solo exhibit was later compiled into the 2016 book, “Tupac Shakur: UNCATEGORIZED,” which features many of his iconic photographs of the rap artist from the 1990s. Modu passed away in 2021 at the age of 54.

The Hutchins Galleries are the home of the Lawrenceville School's permanent collection of art and a host for rotating exhibits of working, regional artists. They are located on the Lawrenceville School campus within The Hutchins Center, adjacent to the Gruss Center for Art and Design. The main entrance for the Hutchins Galleries is at the rear of the building and can be accessed during viewing hours.

The Hutchins Galleries are open on weekdays from 9 a.m.-noon and from 1- 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays, from 9 a.m.-noon. The Galleries are also open by appointment – please email hutchinsgalleries@lawrenceville.org to schedule.

For additional information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.