Gavin Watson's Skins exhibition in Brighton
January 15 2008 sees the opening of Gavin Watson's Skins exhibition in the basement of the Magnum Opus tattoo parlour in Brighton.
Around 40 images will be on show, including iconic photos of Gavin's younger brother Nev, who aged 10 years-old was a member of the High Wycombe Skins. First published in 1994, Gavin's book documents his mates and these extraordinary photos are an accurate insight into one of the most mis-represented subcultures ever to emerge in the UK. September 2007 saw a revised edition of the book, with several more photos included from Gavin's archive and an exhibition at the Dr Marten's flagship store in Covent Garden.
"We were serious about being Skinheads," says Gavin. "I dedicated 8-10 years of my life to it." Despite being over 20 years old, these images are compelling and there is no sell-by date on truth. "Because it's real," reckons Gavin, "that's why it's getting latched onto.. the 80s work has a life of its own now." Magnum Opus is owned by the legendary tattooist Phil Kyle of London Ink and opened its doors in November last year offering state-of-the-art facilities in an atmospheric setting.
After Brighton, the exhibition will go on a mini UK tour with potential venues in Birmingham and Leeds and Gavin has received invitations to show in Sweden, Rome and Milan. You can see a trailer for the exhibition and find out all the tour dates as they are comfirmed on the Myspace pages.
words: Marian Buckley
Skins by Gavin Watson is at the Magnum Opus Gallery 33 Upper North Street Brighton from January 15-March 1st 2008. Telephone: 01273 271432.
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I'm going to see this.