Janette Beckman Rebels

Foam is proud to present the first large scale retrospective of the iconic punk and hip-hop photographer Janette Beckman. With a photographic career stretching over four decades, she documented pivotal underground movements from the early stages of the punk and hip-hop scene to recent movements like Black Lives Matter. Rebels: An Ode to Subversives, Revolutionaries and Provocateurs sheds light on themes such as social justice, political activism, and youth culture.

Beckman is considered one of the most prominent photographers of the London punk scene during the 1970s and ‘80s. Her portraits of legendary groups such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Jam were often featured in influential magazines such as The Face and Melody Maker. In the early 1980s Beckman moved to New York, where she documented the rising hip-hop scene and its pioneers such as Salt-N-Pepa, Slick Rick and LL Cool J. Her photographs capture the raw energy and essence of the artists and have shaped the way we see these music cultures today.

Beyond her contribution to music cultures, the exhibition pays homage to rebels who challenge social and political norms, showcasing her photographs of recent movements such as Black Lives Matter, Anti-Trump protests, and peace demonstrations for Gaza. Beckman’s commitment to capture the subversives, revolutionaries and provocateurs highlights the broader social impact of her work. Furthermore, the exhibition explores how Beckman’s photographs have influenced brands, highlighting her campaigns for renowned brands such as Dior, Kangol and the shoot for Gucci x Dapper Dan.

The exhibition, Rebels, serves as a tribute to some of the most important social movements and subcultures of recent decades and includes a mix of images, contact sheets, and vinyl covers.

About the artist

Janette Beckman (b. 1959) is a British American photographer, currently residing in New York, known for her work on subcultures. Over the years, her work has received international recognition and has even entered the permanent collection of prestigious institutions such as the British National Portrait Gallery. In her early career Beckman worked for influential music magazines, capturing the biggest artists of that time. More recently she has photographed for big clients, such as the Gucci x Dapper Dan shoot for Interview Magazine, whilst at the same time continuing her work by documenting today’s emerging subcultures.

Rebels: An Ode to Subversives, Revolutionaries and Provocateurs can be seen from 10 May – 8 September 2024 at Foam. Open daily 10am - 6pm, Thurs/Fri 10am - 9pm.

Foam
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