MUSIC AND LIFE WITH DENNIS MORRIS

Open from February 5 until May 18, Music + Life is the first retrospective exhibition of Morris in France. Showcasing his artistic career, the selection includes photographs from the artist’s youth in London and portraits of legendary figures in popular culture, such as Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols. From there, Morris went on to document the rise of the Stone Roses and Oasis, captured the eclectic and rebellious Marianne Faithfull, and toured with reggae pioneers The Abyssinians. This collection promises to provide a deep and personal insight into many musical talents as they rose to fame.

BOB MARLEY AND THE REGGAE MOVEMENT

Holding a unique place in Morris’ music photography, Bob Marley stands as the unrivaled icon of reggae culture, embodying community, spirituality, and a deep connection to nature. Born in Jamaica in the late 1960s, reggae gained international acclaim through Marley’s music, rooted in traditional African and Caribbean rhythms. Marley used his creative vision to advocate for social change, shedding light on enduring issues like poverty, inequality, and racial discrimination. His 1977 album “Exodus” inspired hope and determination, propelling reggae culture to global recognition. Marley’s photographic journey with Morris began outside London’s Speakeasy club in 1973, on the first day of The Wailers’ “Catch a Fire” promotional tour. Their conversation outside the venue reflected the hope and resilience Marley instilled in millions: “You want to be a photographer? They’ll tell you you can’t make it. But you have to believe otherwise, Dennis.” The following day, Morris embarked on his first tour with the band, accompanying Marley around the world until 1980. The two developed a close bond on the road, discussing a wide range of topics. The photographs captured during these intimate moments revealed Marley’s authentic character, showcasing his sincerity and depth. Morris was profoundly influenced by Marley’s personality, later admitting that his time with the artist encouraged him to grow and refine his craft.

REBELLION AND THE SEX PISTOLS

The Sex Pistols, punk legends and an era-defining band, are also a central focus of the Music + Life exhibition. Although active for only a brief period from 1975 to 1978, their influence on punk culture remains profound. Emerging as a genre in New York in the mid-70s, punk quickly crossed the Atlantic to London, where it grew into a movement challenging societal norms. Punks rejected social conditioning and traditions, embracing the zeitgeist while fiercely maintaining originality and individuality. This individuality extended beyond music into fashion, embodying the “Do it yourself” ethos. Provocative T-shirts with bold visuals and slogans, along with torn clothing adorned with zippers and safety pins, became iconic symbols of punk fashion. At the start of his career, Morris envisioned becoming a war photographer. However, as he revealed in an interview, he found the war he was searching for in the Sex Pistols. The photographs he captured with the band transcend mere portraits; they document the raw, defiant spirit that defined the group. The time Morris spent with the Sex Pistols shaped not just his photography but his mindset: “You have to knock down the door in front of you and resist what the system imposes to achieve what you want to achieve. If you believe and trust yourself enough, there is nothing you can’t achieve.”

SNAPSHOTS FROM EVERYDAY LIFE

Morris has a distinctive ability to intertwine his passion for photography and music, but his work extends far beyond these realms. His lens offers a profound perspective on the narrative of a multicultural England shaped by immigration and the emergence of new cultural identities. Drawing from his own experiences, Morris infuses his portraits with a deep sense of humanity, capturing the virtue and dignity that black communities have upheld in the face of adversity. Music + Life presents a vivid portrayal of post-colonial England, shedding light on the social and cultural transformations of the time. Simultaneously, it celebrates Morris’ role in immortalizing the musical heroes of the era, transforming them into enduring legends.

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