The National Portrait Gallery in London hosts ‘The Face Magazine: Culture Shift,’ showcasing 200 images that explore the magazine’s cultural impact from 1980 to 2004. Founded by Nick Logan, The Face revolutionised style journalism, blending fashion with music and politics. The exhibition features iconic portraits and celebrates the artistry behind a magazine that shaped youth culture and influenced generations.
A new exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery delves into the cultural significance of The Face magazine, a pioneering monthly renowned for influencing style, fashion, and arts. At the gallery, a striking image of Nick Kamen in a Ray Petri-styled ensemble welcomes visitors. This exhibition features 200 photographs by 80 photographers, showcasing icons like Kurt Cobain, Kylie Minogue, and The Spice Girls, demonstrating how The Face shaped a generation’s fashion and conversation.
Founded by Nick Logan in 1980, The Face was ahead of its time, creating a revolution in style journalism amid an era without social media. The magazine reflected and defined the evolving music scene, employing innovative design and storytelling techniques. Logan’s investment in both talent and vision transformed The Face into an authoritative voice for emerging artists and models, setting it apart from traditional magazines like Vogue.
Curated by Sabina Jaskot-Gill, along with art director Lee Swillingham and photographer Norbert Schoerner, the exhibition highlights how The Face interwove music, style, and politics, marking it as a radical cultural artefact. The gallery’s new architectural design complements the exhibition, providing a dynamic space that captures the essence of The Face and its stylistic evolution over the decades.
“This is the first major museum exhibition on The Face’s iconic portraiture. It reveals how groundbreaking the imagery was and how it still resonates today.” – Sabina Jaskot-Gill.
The exhibition features distinct themes, from boldness to dark realism, immersing visitors in The Face’s significant impacts. The layout includes wallpapered salons, videos, and vintage magazine copies, capturing the magazine’s innovative spirit under Neville Brody’s creative direction.
“The Face cut through suburbia like a knife and opened the whole world up to me, one that was both relevant, and new, and exciting.” – John Akehurst. Contributing photographers celebrate The Face as an insightful reflection of contemporary culture, essential for understanding the interconnectedness of youth movements during its time.
The magazine also dramatically influenced fashion, introducing revolutionary stylists like Ray Petri and Karl Templer. The narrative of storytelling integrated within fashion shoot concepts has evolved, showcasing The Face’s critical role in shaping the industry’s landscape.
The exhibition also commemorates the typically frenetic production process of The Face, where teams often worked overnight to meet deadlines, highlighting the passion and commitment to presenting cutting-edge content. Sheryl Garratt, a former editor, recounts her dedication amidst challenging logistics, underscoring the magazine’s commitment to excellence.
In assembling the exhibition, the curatorial team collaborated with numerous talented photographers, leading to a celebratory reunion reflecting on The Face’s profound impact on style culture. The exhibition remains open at the National Portrait Gallery until 18 May.
The exhibition ‘The Face Magazine: Culture Shift’ at the National Portrait Gallery highlights the magazine’s influential role in shaping style, fashion, and pop culture. Through iconic imagery and celebrated photographers, it illustrates how The Face combined art, politics, and music, resonating with contemporary youth. With interactive displays and thoughtful design, the exhibition pays tribute to a publication that was a transformative force in the cultural landscape from 1980 to 2004.
Original Source: www.euronews.com