Celebrate the work of British-Jamaican photographer Dennis Morris. Renowned for his intimate portraits of cultural icons such as Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols and Marianne Faithfull, Morris’ images are a vivid exploration of music, identity and social change.
Music + Life captures the spirit of some of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century culture, from the soulful vibrancy of reggae to the rebellious energy of punk. Morris provides a rare glimpse into the lives of legendary musicians, revealing the trust and connection he forged with his subjects. His candid photographs of Bob Marley, both on stage and off, along with the raw, chaotic world of the Sex Pistols, illustrate his unique ability to capture the personalities behind the music.
His long and fruitful collaboration with Bob Marley began when he was just 14. He bunked off school and asked Marley if he could photograph him. Of their lifelong partnership, he said ‘It was much more than just taking the photos. It was a teaching, a learning, a growing.’
Music + Life also highlights Morris’ early documentary work, which reflects life in the multicultural neighbourhoods of post-war London. His powerful series of photographs, such as Growing Up Black, Southall and This Happy Breed, document everyday life and Black British culture, and celebrate the pride and resilience of communities often overlooked, capturing their challenges and triumphs with authenticity and respect.
I was actually very shy, but with a camera in my hand I felt untouchable, this is why, I think, I was able to get through people’s doors and make them feel comfortable. You find a way to be invisible.
- Dennis Morris
Experience the work of music icons featured in the Dennis Morris: Music + Life exhibition.
Dennis Morris: Music + Life is a collaboration between Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP), Paris, and The Photographers’ Gallery. Curated by Shoair Mavlian, Director of The Photographers’ Gallery, and Simon Baker, Director, and Laurie Hurwitz, Senior Curator of MEP.
With thanks to Dennis Morris, Isabelle Chalard, Kunio Aoyama and Fuji, Andrew Sanigar and the team at Thames & Hudson. Exhibition supported by George Cox.
A new book Dennis Morris: Music + Life, published by Thames & Hudson, is available now.
"Marley jumped up and said, ‘let me show you how to be free, Dennis …'"
Researcher and musician, Luke Bacchus, explores the impact and influence Rastafari spirituality and culture has had on Britian's arts and music scene.
This long-form article delves into the intricacies of migration, spiritual philosophy and liberatory politics that shaped the movement.
(5min read)
Dennis Morris: Music + Life brings together the first in-depth career retrospective of the trailblazing photographer, designer and art director. The first part of the book captures Morris's unapologetic lens on race, culture and identity in 1970s Britain, while the second surveys his collaborations with music legends.
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