Shown in a limited number of venues internationally–Photo London in the UK and La Termica in Malaga, Spain–this exhibition will be the first presentation of Days of Punk within the United States.
The Southeast Museum of Photography, in partnership with Terra Esplendida, is pleased to offer viewers a unique backstage pass to the gritty nightclub and music scene of the late ‘70s through early ‘90s. Days of Punk is a seminal exhibition of the burgeoning punk movement in New York and Boston as seen through the eyes of renowned photographer and filmmaker Michael Grecco.
Featuring more than 100 photographs, this exhibition showcases an array of musicians–Adam Ant, Billy Idol, Buzzcocks, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, Elvis Costello, Joan Jett, Siouxsie and the Banshees, the Specials and many more–at a variety of venues that catered to the youthful audiences clamoring for something new, loud, and totally their own.
Previously unseen by the public, and recently released through Grecco’s book Punk, Post Punk, New Wave: Onstage, Backstage, In Your Face, 1978–1991 (ABRAMS Books), “Days of Punk” features both images that were published in the book, and never shown selections from his personal archives.
Punk, an unlikely fusion of diverse musical traditions – including glam rock, reggae, rockabilly and soul – coalesced into a movement that spread outwards like a shockwave. Its signature fast tempos, distorted riffs and abrasive lyrics began to define not only a genre, but a social and political subculture. It was during this formative time that Michael Grecco found himself as both participant and photographer:
“When I came of age in the late seventies and early eighties, it was in the middle of an artistic rebellion that changed the face of politics and culture forever. This was the era of Punk: bold, self-expressed, free. An era of music, attitude, and fashion that spat in the face of the established norms.” -Michael Grecco
In addition to the audio and video elements of the exhibition, the museum would like to encourage public participation by inviting guests to sign or “leave their mark” on a faux brick wall designed to immerse viewers in the action, reinforcing the performance aspect and communal spirit of punk.
Grecco’s iconic imagery, paired with the multimedia components of the exhibit, expertly showcase the sounds, subversive styles and performances that epitomized the early emergence of punk rock. Taken as a whole, Days of Punk is a revelatory experience for those who lived through the cultural phenom, as well as those only discovering these musicians now. Their lasting influence on society’s cultural consciousness, and the proliferation of bands they continue to inspire–even 40 years on–proves punk’s not dead. It’s alive and well, and currently on display at the Southeast Museum of Photography.
Days of Punk will be on display from August 30 - December 17 at the Southeast Museum of Photography, a service of Daytona State College. The exhibition and all accompanying programs are free and open to the public. Grecco’s book, Punk, Post Punk, New Wave: Onstage, Backstage, In Your Face, 1978–1991 , will be available to purchase in the museum store while supplies last.
A reception for this exhibition, accompanied with an artist lecture and a Q&A session by Michael Grecco, was held at the museum on August 30, 2022 at 6pm, to an audience of nearly 200 guests. Grecco will also hold a virtual artist talk on December. 13th at 6pm. If you are interested in attending this event, please register via our Eventbrite here.
