27th January to 21st March 2010

Proud Camden South Gallery presents Rock ‘n' Roll Animals, a photographic portrait of the contemporary music scene by photographer Sophie Jarry. Inspired by photojournalists such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, French born Jarry first picked up a camera 10 years ago. What began as a hobby quickly progressed into a profession as Jarry married her love of photographic documentation with her passion for live music. A celebration of the leading lights of today’s music scene, Jarry’s shots express a desire to capture a moment and make it last. Each of her images tells the story of today’s music scene, and each is an example of her unwavering dedication to artistic expression. Featuring artists such as Jack White, MGMT, The Kills, The last Shadow Puppets, Pete Doherty and many more, this exhibition is a must see for any music fan.

8th December- 21st February

As Blondie celebrates thirty-five years since their inception, Proud Camden presents Being Blondie: Debbie Harry by Brian Aris, a revealing collection of images specially selected from the archive of celebrated photographer Brian Aris, focusing on their leading lady, Deborah Harry.

Pioneers of American new wave and punk rock, Blondie’s liberal performance rituals and intoxicating stage presence translate beautifully into Aris’ studio shots. His expert precision and attention to detail provide a visual context for the band’s innovative experimentation in punk rock, new wave, disco and hip hop.

With her two-tone bleached-blonde hair, and cutting edge style Harry quickly became a legendary pop icon and the face of the band. Her stage persona of cool sexuality was notorious and she can undoubtedly be seen to have shaped the direction of a generation. Aris was responsible for many of the photographs which helped to cement Harry’s international iconic status, leading to her reputation as new wave’s answer to Marilyn Monroe.

Aris says “I have been blessed to have worked so many times with not only such a beautiful looking woman but someone who has become an icon all over the World. Debbie has crossed over three decades of the music business and her appeal is as strong today as it ever was.”

Showcasing rare and never before seen images from Brian Aris’ unrivaled archive, this exhibition is a must see for photography and music fans alike.

February 3rd – 28th March 2010

Proud Chelsea presents Paris Je’taime, a tender and romantic portrait of Parisian life in 1949, as seen through the lens of premier photojournalist, Ivan Massar.
 
Never before seen in the UK, this exhibition focuses on Paris’ everyday.  Massar’s unsparing yet deeply compassionate eye illuminates the city’s ordinary people, their relationships with each other, their city and their every day.
 
Inspired by the writings of American philosopher Henry David Thoreau, Masser’s work rejects the idea of the complicated, all encompassing image. His photographs reflect a desire to simplify, to slow things down to one focal point – one moment in time.Massar’s Paris series embodies these components with touching precision.  An old man engages in a leisurely conversation with a young boy, a lone woman walks her dog through the Paris streets, two old ladies sit on park bench knitting.
 
The perfect show for the Valentines period, this nostalgic exhibition highlights life’s most important, but often forgotten, moments – an absolute must see.