This is exciting news for photography and music lovers. The MEP (Maison Européenne de la Photographie) presents Music + Life, the first retrospective of British artist Dennis Morris in France. The exhibition will bring to light for the first time, the full collection of his photographs capturing his youth in London, while also celebrating his iconic portraits of Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols, which have become key images in pop culture. Starting on February 5, this exhibition takes us to the heart of the intimate relationship Dennis Morris developed with the legends he photographed.
More than just an observer, Dennis Morris captured in his images the trust and intensity he shared with his subjects, from Bob Marley on and off stage, to the subversive energy of the Sex Pistols, the early days of the Stone Roses and Oasis, reggae pioneers Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and The Abyssinians, and the eclectic and rebellious Marianne Faithfull. With this rare access, he revealed little-known facets of their personalities and forged a deep bond that shines through in every image. The versatile and multi-talented Dennis Morris is also the art director who shaped the image of these artists, making them icons and reinventing the way music is marketed. By combining his passion for photography and music, Morris offers a unique perspective on the intersection of cultures where reggae and punk are synonymous with rebellious youth. Characterized by authenticity and depth, his images tell the story of a multicultural England deeply affected by immigration, and the emergence of new cultural identities. Each portrait becomes a visual manifesto of authenticity and intimate connection.
Dennis Morris has used his camera to create a profound body of work about extraordinary people. He has created some of the most iconic and memorable images of Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols, as well as the album cover of Marianne Faithfull’s Broken English. He also designed the iconic logo for Public Image Ltd (PIL) and the band’s first two album covers, including the famous “Metal Box”. Although primarily associated with music photography, Morris has also distinguished himself through his documentary work. In one series, taken in his youth in London’s Caribbean community, he captured poignant images of everyday life. Another series documents the Sikh community in Southall, West London, a work acquired by English Heritage. His photographs are also held in prestigious public and private collections, including Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, and have appeared in numerous publications including Rolling Stone, Time, GQ, Vogue, W and Frieze.
The Music + Life exhibition is underpinned by reportage that captures the vibrancy of England at this time. Through his tender photographs, Dennis Morris captures the essence of black British culture, highlighting the pride and dignity of these communities despite their often precarious circumstances. In this way, Music + Life highlights his ability to translate the social changes of postcolonial England into images, as well as his contribution to the musical counterculture.
