SONY ERICSSON PRESENTS: TE K A PICTURE A’ DIS

Proud Camden brings in 2005 with a unique exhibition, celebrating what would have been the 60th birthday of Bob Marley – a musical legend who continues to transcend all categories, classes and creeds. Tek A Picture A’ Dis promises to provide an unparalleled insight into the life of the reggae phenomenon, through a series of exclusive images taken by Dan Asher, Kate Simon and Jeff Cathrow – three photographers who were close to Marley throughout his life. Combing their three completely unique archives, Tek A Picture A’ Dis reflects each of their individual relationships with Marley. Indeed taking as its title a sound bite from a conversation between Marley and Cathrow, this exhibition gives a clear and intimate insight into both the picture and voice of a legend whose music continues to inspire generations, young and old.

TEK A PICTURE A’ DIS
• Proud Camden, 10 Greenland Street, London, NW1 0ND
• Dates : 4th Feb – 8th April 2004

Timeless performance shots; unseen images of the legend in private; even a series of images thought to have been tragically destroyed in a house fire and only recently rediscovered make up this exceptional exhibition, curated especially to celebrate the birthday of the man that Eric Clapton refers to as ‘a great lyric writer, a musical genius and a great leader of men.’ more…

“What better way to kick off our title sponsorship of Proud Galleries for 2005, than supporting the exhibition of such a musical legend”, said Peter Marsden, Managing Director Sony Ericsson UK & Ireland. “I’m sure the sheer range and originality of images will inspire a wide range of music fans, young and old and to capture the moment.”

Background – Bob Marley – Reggae King of the World
Between 1975 – 1978 photographer Dan Asher captured some of Marley’s most groundbreaking performances – in New York during the late 1970’s, but also in Marley’s native homeland, Jamaica. At the time gang warfare was destroying the lives of many young Jamaicans. Provoked by this violent epidemic Marley instigated the One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, April 1978. Asher’s provocative shots capture the pure essence of Marley’s untouchable performance during this concert. Soon after Asher had completed this body of work, Marley passed away. Before the photographer had the chance to develop the negatives in to original prints, he donated them to illustrate a book celebrating the life of the legend – Bob Marley – Reggae King of the World (Kingston Publishers, 1982). Tragically the negatives disappeared and for 20 years were thought to have been destroyed in a fire – until last year when they were discovered in an attic. As a result this incredible body of work has remained largely unseen, and prints available in this exhibition will be the first original fibre prints ever produced of these images. Herb is the Healing of the Nation

As a dedicated follower of Reggae music and the vision behind the first ever ‘San Francisco Bay Area Reggae Hotline’ Jeff Cathrow was never far behind Marley. In June 1976 the photographer and journalist was granted his first ever interview (transcript available upon request). Rolling Stone magazine picked up a quote from the interview – ‘Herb is the healing of the nation’ – and before long Cathrow’s images and interviews were showing worldwide.

Cathrow continued to interview Marley on a regular basis during his time in San Francisco. They formed an immediate friendship, and Marley began to actively encourage Cathrow to photograph him, allowing him to capture some truly original moments – during a 1978 interview for example, Cathrow presented Marley with a gift of some home-grown sinsemilla buds, to which Marley replied “Ya grow some RAS herb, mon! Here, tek a picture a’ dis, mon! Tek a picture a’ dis!” The result is a highly unusual and evocative series of shots capturing Marley in his truest form. The majority of Cathrow’s intimate images have never previously been seen, and will be presented together for the fist time in this exhibition. More Shaman than Showman

Photographer Kate Simon met Marley at an aftershow party in the Lyceum, London. The two became instant friends and she soon became integrated with Marley and his band, The Wailers, travelling extensively with the band documenting their meteoric rise to fame.

Through a series of highly personal images Simon was able to capture a real insight in to the life of the band – from Marley’s shamanic performances, to energy fuelled jamming sessions, and from the groups joyous devotion to Rastafarianism, to their religious dedication to marijuana. The single image that she considers to be her most important will be amongst the series of groundbreaking images that make up this unique and highly intimate exhibition.

Address: Sony Ericsson Proud Camden, 10 Greenland
Street, Camden, London
NW1 0ND
Tube: Camden Town
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm Mon – Thurs
11am – 6pm Fri- Sunday
Prices: Free
FOR INTERVIEWS / EXCLUSIVE USE OF PICTURES / INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPTS
Idea Generation: +44(020) 7428 4949
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WEBSITES
www.proud.co.uk