Ernie Paniccioli – Photographer

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Ernie Paniccioli started photographing Hip Hop culture in the mid 1970s. His initial focus was graffiti. He also documented other aspects of Hip Hop culture including MCing (rapping), B-Boying (Break Dancing), DJing, and fashion. 

Paniccioli holds a unique place among graffiti photographers. While many photographers focused primarily on the paintings done on the subway, Paniccioli ventured directly into the communities that gave birth to Hip Hop. Traditionally many aerosol artists first tested their skills by painting on walls before subway cars. Paniccioli documented work by many artists in their transitional phases; as well as many other talented artists that did not make the step to subway painting. 

Paniccioli probably has a comprehensive collection of works by 1980's New York City "Street Writers". His commitment to documenting Hip Hop led to a position as Chief Photographer with Word Up! magazine at its launch in 1987. His work has been published in The New York Times, Life Magazine, Time, Vibe, Rolling Stone, The Source and many other publications. His photographs have been displayed at The Brooklyn Museum of Art and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has photographed countless Hip Hop icons including Public Enemy, Nas, Jay Z, and the late Big Pun (Christopher Rios).  His work is in noted historical archives such Cornell University Paniccioli's work appears in the HarperCollins book titled Who Shot Ya?.
Interview with Ernie Paniccioli Conducted by @149st October 27, 2001.

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