PICTURE THIS: A PUBLIC IMAGE
A collection of previously unseen photographs taken in l.a. venues from 1978-1980
An exhibition and book by Spike Waltzer featuring previously unseen photographs from the punk, new wave and ska explosion in Los Angeles, 1978–1980.
Featuring:
Blondie, John Lydon & PiL, The Clash, Madness, The Specials, The Selecter, 999, Sham 69, The Undertones, The Go-Go's, John Cale, The Cramps, X and many more.
PICTURE THIS: A PUBLIC IMAGE also covers the extraordinary life of photographer Spike Waltzer, who worked as a paparazzo in Hollywood before dedicating his life to activism and the promotion of punk bands and punk ideology.
The exhibition consists of 30 previously unseen A2 framed prints, alongside Spike’s personal archive of contact sheets, zines, magazine covers, record releases and images from his life in the anarchist, punk and queer scenes of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Alongside the photographs, the exhibition features words from L.A. Times music writer Don Snowden, describing the mood of the city and the circumstances that established L.A.’s local music scene and its venues as a ‘must-play’ destination for touring bands.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
PINK MOON — BRIGHTON
3–30 September 2026
POOTLE — TOKYO
15–25 October 2026
Inside Shindaita FEVER
The Tokyo exhibition will be the first presentation of PICTURE THIS: A PUBLIC IMAGE outside the UK.
Unframed & affordable prints, postcards, high-end photographic prints and the hardback book will be available to purchase at each venue.
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