From time to time British Blues has a bit of swagger about it and although not for some time known as a Blues band, The Rolling Stones were at one time about the most loud, proud, and pouting crucibles of charisma playing Blues in the UK. Now they are about to be very much on display again, with EXHIBITIONISM, the first international exhibition on The Rolling Stones. As the EXHIBITIONISM page on the Saatchi Gallery website says:
“Taking over the entire two floors of the Saatchi Gallery with 9 thematic galleries, EXHIBITIONISM combines over 500 original Stones’ artefacts, with striking cinematic and interactive technologies offering the most comprehensive and immersive insight into the band’s fascinating fifty year history.
“From never before seen dressing room and backstage paraphernalia to rare instruments; original stage designs, iconic costumes, rare audio tracks and video footage; personal diaries; poster and album cover artwork; and unique wraparound cinematic experiences that celebrate every aspect of their Careers. Centre stage is the musical heritage that took them from a London blues band in the early 1960s to inspirational cultural icons.
“The Rolling Stones have shaped popular culture, often in their own image, and this exhibition will offer a unique perspective that only the band’s own archive can provide. Collaborations and work by a vast array of artists, designers, musicians and writers will be included – from Andy Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Alexander McQueen, and Ossie Clark to Tom Stoppard and Martin Scorsese.
“EXHIBITIONISM will be promoted and presented by Australian company iEC (International Entertainment Consulting) with the full participation of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood.”
Of course, British and overseas Blues is not without new young icons, walking in the footsteps of the Stones. Take Fantastic Negrito (about to embark on a major UK/European tour supporting Chris Cornell), Gary Clarke Jr, Shemekia Copeland, and Jarekus Singleton from the US, or, from the UK, Laurence Jones, Greg Coulson, and Chantel McGregor, or The Strypes from Ireland.
Like the Exhibitionism Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/stonesexhibitionism
