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April 7, 2015
Dennis Morris on the Icons of the Rock Era | BARNEYS NEW YORK
BARNEYS NEW YORK
An Interview with a Legendary Photographer
Dennis Morris on the Icons of the Rock Era (Part 1)
Held until Sunday, July 28th at the 9th floor of Barneys New York Shinjuku.DENNIS MORRIS PHOTO EXHIBITIONPhotographer Dennis Morris, who visited Japan for the opening of the exhibition, proudly showed us his latest photobook, "Resurrection Dennis Morris The Stone Roses Documents," featuring newly shot images of the legendary Stone Roses. "Do you like The Stone Roses?" he asked.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by SUZUKI Kenta
Their Era, and My Life Documenting It
Dennis Morris is a legendary photographer known to virtually every rock fan in their 50s. If you're a fan of rock tees, you likely own a shirt featuring his work. Our interview began on a large sofa on the 9th floor of Barneys New York Shinjuku, amidst the ongoing photo exhibition.
"This must be my 15th or more visit to Japan. I love Tokyo, the city and its people. It's a special place for me. I was actually here during the Great East Japan Earthquake, and I was deeply impressed by how the Japanese people moved with such order and unity, like a single community. In America or Europe, such a situation would lead to chaos, but the Japanese are truly remarkable," Morris shared with remarkable frankness.
His career is well-documented: at 11, his talent was recognized by Bob Marley, whom he accompanied on tour; by 17, he was gracing the covers of major music magazines like "Time Out" and "Melody Maker."
The exhibition features his stunning photographs of RUN DMC, Marianne Faithfull, the Sex Pistols, and The Stone Roses, not only from live performances but also intimate portraits.
"When I see these photos displayed, they capture their era, but at the same time, they represent my own life chasing after it. I hope music lovers can feel the flow of time through these images."
The Sex Pistols Were a Mirror to My Own Career Start
Regarding the young Sex Pistols, who embodied the nascent energy of punk, Morris explained, "When I met them, the Sex Pistols were the embodiment of punk's core concepts: Grab it! Believe it! Do it! This coincided with the start of my career as a photographer, so they were a mirror to me. We spent that era together, which is why I feel such a strong connection."
Morris is also known for co-designing the logo for John Lydon's band, Public Image Ltd. When asked about Lydon and Sid Vicious, he remarked, "John and Sid Vicious are often compared, but from my perspective, they existed at opposite ends of a spectrum, complementing each other. Sid, contrary to his image, was a natural, approachable person, quite vulnerable underneath. John, on the other hand, was quick-witted, always thinking, results-oriented, and possessed a strong will."
BARNEYS NEW YORK
An Interview with a Legendary Photographer
Dennis Morris on the Icons of the Rock Era (Part 2)
This exhibition at Barneys New York originated from Morris's request: "While many photo T-shirts of my work are already available, I wanted to create new products with a fresh perspective." He specifically chose Barneys New York as his collaborator. "It's a great honor to have an exhibition in such a wonderful store. Do you like Barneys too?"
When Shooting Live, My Hands Just Move on Their Own
"I love seeing my photographs transformed into products like T-shirts and mugs. I'm particularly pleased with the T-shirts created in collaboration with the creative collective XEROSEN. It's wonderful when the idols and stars we admire become a part of our lives, and I'm very satisfied with what we've achieved here," Morris stated.
When asked about his approach to photographing iconic stars, he said, "I try to capture not just the person in front of me, but their inner self, their true essence. When they see the final photos, they often ask, 'How did you know the real me?' That's how we connect. While I might plan a shot beforehand, things often change on location, so it's common for the final image to be completely different from what I initially envisioned," he added with a smile.
For example, during portrait sessions, I might engage in a little game or distract them from the act of being photographed, making the situation feel natural until the focus shifts away from the camera. Or during live shoots, my hands just move on their own, capturing the moment. I love those captured instants. Just as you can recall the sounds and smells of a moment when looking at your favorite photos, my pictures hold those same sensory details."
Wear a Stone Roses T-Shirt and Head to the Summer Sonic Eve Party!
When asked for his thoughts on the photobook "Resurrection Dennis Morris The Stone Roses Documents," Morris smiled and replied, "It makes me feel like I can hear the live music."
"I use both digital and film cameras, and I shot all the Stone Roses live performances on film. Film captures tonal gradations beautifully, making it ideal for live concerts. Digital tends to flatten the image and can only capture one thing at a time."
Finally, when asked for a tip on taking great photos, he advised, "Photography is about capturing a moment. Even if it's blurry or slightly out of focus, if you're satisfied with it, that's what matters. Enjoy the moment you've captured, the moment you felt."
DENNIS MORRIS PHOTO EXHIBITION
Exhibition Period: Ongoing until Sunday, July 28, 2013
Venue: Barneys New York Shinjuku Store, 9F
3-18-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1200
Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun), 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Fri, Sat)
http://www.barneys.co.jp/
DENNIS MORRIS
http://www.dennismorris.com