PANELS: Graffiti + Comic Art Exhibition Downtown Pittsburgh April 23-25

PANELS

A Three-Day Pop-Up Gallery Celebrating the Intersection of Graffiti, Hip-Hop, and Comic Art

April 23–25, 2026 | 12 PM – 8 PM (daily) | 804 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

PITTSBURGH, PA | PANELS is a three-day pop-up gallery taking over a historic Downtown Pittsburgh building during NFL Draft weekend, bringing together graffiti, hip-hop, and comic art under one roof. Presented by Shane Pilster (Do What We Love®), Big Phill (Collections in Black), and Fil Agren (Gallery AFK), the exhibition showcases original works, installations, and rare archival material from across these deeply connected visual cultures.

The show highlights the shared language between graffiti and comic art, from bold lettering and character design to storytelling and movement. Artists will present original works alongside newly painted walls and installations created specifically for the space. What emerges is a conversation across disciplines and generations, rooted in the golden age of hip-hop and extending into contemporary practices.

Each day will feature a full showcase of installations, rare and historic hip-hop and comic artifacts, and original artwork available for purchase. Visitors can expect limited-edition merchandise, prints, books, shirts, zines, stickers, and collectibles. Collections in Black will present iconic and historically significant works from hip-hop, comics, and advertising, including pieces with strong Pittsburgh ties that have not been publicly exhibited in many years.

Set inside a once-grand space from Pittsburgh’s industrial peak, the exhibition leans into the building’s raw textures and ongoing restoration. The environment becomes part of the work itself, echoing the city’s history while making room for something new.

Saturday’s closing reception will be hosted by DJ Big Phill, featuring a lineup of DJs, special guests, live performances, comic artists, hip-hop legends, and cultural figures will be in attendance for a closing experience that extends beyond a traditional gallery format. $10 suggested donation.

FEATURED ARTISTS AND COLLECTIONS

Shane Pilster | Graffiti Artist, Muralist, Curator

Presenting new works, a large-scale mural inside the gallery, installation pieces, and limited-edition items. In attendance all three days.

www.instagram.com/paintforhire

www.shanepilster.com

Collections in Black / Big Phill | Original Comic Art Collection, Curator

Featuring culturally relevant original comic artwork and the debut of original work by Big Phill.

www.instagram.com/collectionsinblack

www.instagram.com/djbigphill

Ken Lashley | Artist

Original works on display from the renowned artist known for work with Marvel, DC, Hasbro, and Lucasfilm. Not in attendance.

www.instagram.com/ledkilla

Remix: The Silver Surfer of Graffiti | Graffiti Artist

Globally recognized artist blending comic influence with style writing. Presenting new works and installations, with a live appearance from Japan during Thursday’s opening.

www.lulu.com/shop/remix-ba-nsf-d30-wge-kms-cdf-mayhem/remix-the-silver-surfer-of-graffiti/paperback/product-7pzg45.html

Jared Cullum | Comic and Fine Artist

Known for self-published titles including Kodi and the art for Dark Horse’s critically acclaimed Usagi Yojimbo: Kaito ’84. Books, prints, and live signings available.

www.instagram.com/jaredcullum

Paradise Collection | Courtesy of Paradise Gray

A rare collection from hip-hop pioneer Paradise Gray of The Latin Quarter, X-Clan, and The Hip Hop Museum.

www.instagram.com/paradisegray