Anarchy As An Art Form

Since it's inception, punk has been considered an art form. Now, 30 years later, it seems like the art world as a whole is finally realizing that they can't deny that fact.

Three decades after the Sex Pistols burst upon the scene (an event hailed as the birth of punk by the the writers of Punk: The Whole Story), the Barbican Art Gallery in London is hosting an exhibition of the largest collection of punk art in the UK.

The focal point of Panic Attack! Art in the Punk Years will be a piece that we've been looking at for years - Jamie Reid's artwork for the cover of the Sex Pistols God Save The Queen. In addition, there will a large collection of photographs from the era, and art pieces by members of the scene at the time.

It's good to see that the "cultured elite" are starting to recognize the contribution that punk has made to culture. On the cultural front, punk has always about making a stand. Whether it's music, art or literature, punk is being invited into places it formerly wasn't welcome. The BBC once banned the cover of God Save The Queen; now it's on a gallery wall? It's now obviously only a matter of time before the work of GG Allen is exhibited in the Met. Then the plan will be complete... muah ha ha ha ha... (Sorry, it's late)

Anyway, if you're going to be in the London area between now and September 9, check out the exhibit. More details are available on the Barbican Web site.