Running from March 29-April 12, 2014, Known Gallery in Los Angeles is hosting a special exhibition of 28 intimate portraits and live shots of Bob Marley in black and white and color taken by British photographer, Dennis Morris. The show also coincides with the release of a collaborative print by Dennis Morris and Shepard Fairey.
Dennis Morris’ career as a rock photographer began when he skipped school to wait for Bob Marley to arrive for sound check at the Speakeasy club on London’s Margret Street. Bob was so impressed that he invited the lad on tour, and thus began a lifelong friendship.
The opening March 28 was awash with stars. Clem Burke and Frankie Infante from Blondie, Gary Twinn from the International swingers, and the lead singer from Lords of the New Church were all in attendance. I was surprised and happy to run into my old pal and former boss at the Reggae Beat radio show, Rodger Steffens, and photographer Dawn Laureen looked resplendent. Dennis and Shepard were in good spirits and why not? Everyone loved the show. All 28 portraits are a blessing to mankind. He captured the spirit of Rebel Love.
Dennis and Shepard previously worked on another famous show. They recreated Sid’s Hotel room at Subliminal Projects, Shepard’s gallery. Morris had been the Sex Pistols’ official photographer and trailed the Pistols at the peak of their notoriety, documenting the trail of chaos and destruction they left in their wake.
Dennis said that when Bob Marley died a lot of people suffered because Marley had been feeding so many folks. He says of Marley, “ He had immense presence, and the beauty was that it spread on to you. You had to really get your act together .”
Known Gallery 441 North Fairfax Avenue LA Ca 90036
