What Presence! The Rock Photography of Harry Papadopoulos

About

Take a step back in time and delve into the glamour and the grit of the 1980s post punk music scene when the photography of Harry Papdopoulos goes on show in Dundee in May. What Presence: The Rock Photography of Harry Papadopoulos will offer visitors to The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum a rare glimpse behind the lens of one of Scotland's legendary music photographers. With more than 300 images on show, this exhibition showcases an impressive range of images from between 1979 and 1984; includes a staggering list of music greats and varies from the expected band portraits and live-action shots to include a number of more unique captures. Papadopoulos was a self-taught photographer, whose diverse photographic career started by flogging gig-goers photographs outside the Apollo in the late 1970s. He later became a staff photographer for Sounds magazine where he captured a number of rock stars on film: from Blondie to David Bowie, the Associates to Devo by way of Joy Division, Bryan Ferry, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Birthday Party, The Cramps, The Clash, Altered Images, Penetration, The Specials and Suicide (not to mention Wham!, ABC and Spandau Ballet). At that time, Harry's London flat also became home to fellow Scots migrants like Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, Josef K and The Bluebells. Harry thus became one of the first few photographers to capture the fey arrogance of Edwyn Collins. This touring exhibition from the Streetlevel Photoworks in Glasgow, which was co-curated by Ken McCluskey [singer from the Bluebells], will be accompanied by an exciting series of talks, impromptu music events and creative learning opportunities. The McManus hopes the What Presence exhibition will inspire the community of Dundee to delve into their attics and dig out their own photographic treasures and music memorabilia. They will be encouraging people to share these music memories with the museum online, as they strive to grow their knowledge about the local music scene at that time. For more information on how you can share this visit www.mcmanus.co.uk