Go on, get some culture.  It does a body good and besides, its getting too cold outside to wander around aimlessly.  Remember that Kehinde Wiley exhibit?  Well, its time you pay respect to your elders and check out the work of one of the original contributors to African-American conceptualism and portraiture.  You see, back in the 70s, Barkley L. Hendricks made a name for himself in the art world, and has been doing it up ever since.  Want to see the swag your mom and dad emulated when they were young and stylish?  Looking for authentic representation of your people?  Then check out Birth of the Cool, a retrospective on Hendricks’ work that he insists is not a retrospective at all.  You’ll be able to see his most famous pieces, like Vendetta, Lawdy Mama, Icon for Fifi (pictured above), and Fela: Amen, Amen, Amen! but you’ll also be privy to some of the older stuff that never got much shine, as well as newer pieces that showcase Hendricks’ versatility.  His paintings tend to be life-size, and while its hard not to get lost in the power of them, we think you’ll manage.  Birth of the Cool is Harlem’s until March 2009; then it moves to Santa Monica, Pennsylvania and Houston.  Visit here for more information.