Rock star portraits on show in St Leonards-on-Sea

Associated media

Kevin Cummins/Disclosure

Featuring images from 40 years of Rock portraits

From his early work with his hometown bands such as Joy Division and The Smiths,  to his later work with Rock legends such as Bowie and Jagger, Cummins has always been acutely aware of the mythological component of the images he created:

If I had simply produced the photos of Joy Division in the studio, it would not have had any meaning.  What interested me was to show the environment in which they lived.  I was probably more aware than the groups themselves of the myth that the pictures would convey.”

The moment the post punk music scene appeared in Manchester with Joy Division and the birth of Factory Records, Kevin Cummins became as integral a factor as any, in creating the legend that was to become MADCHESTER -Kevin Cummins was sometimes more important than the bands. Pete Shelley(Buzzcocks) 

As well as capturing the excitement of performance, Kevin Cummins has always been able to access the vulnerability of the artists behind the scenes as demonstrated in his series of Joy Divisions’ career. 

A chronicler of choice to the bands that made up the Madchester scene and with his innate sense of  drama,  demonstrated in his composition and lighting, Kevin Cummins’ work soon brought him to a wider audience through his collaboration with the music weekly NME and a series of early groundbreaking exhibitions.

Kevin's photographs have shaped the way fans perceive their idols. These images capture moments long forgotten. Noel Gallagher

 ‘Disclosure’ is on show until 10 April 2015 and all prints are for sale.  There are over 50 images from this large and diverse selection of portraits including  Joy Division, The Smiths, The Sex Pistols, Courtney Love, David Bowie, Liam Gallagher, Sinead O’Connor,  Manic Street Preachers, Buzzcocks, The Stone Roses and many more.

Kevin Cummins will be holding a talk and book-signing event at the Lucy Bell Fine Art gallery, St Leonards on Sea, UK on Saturday 28 March from 2–4pm at the gallery. To book a space please email [email protected]

Lucy Bell Fine Art
46 Norman Road
St Leonards on Sea
TN38 0EJ

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