Justin Thomas Photography Exhibition

Justin Thomas Exhibition Review by Kate Olsson

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Justin Thomas Photography Exhibition

Very few photographers can boast a repertoire, which includes shots of the like of Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder. But Justin Thomas has just this, and some amazing stories to go with them. For the first time, Thomas is showcasing a retrospective of some of his most iconic shots - from as early as the 1970's photographs of the world's most loved and respected musicians will be on display at The Graffik Gallery on Portobello Road, Notting Hill. 'When You Hear The Music, Trouble Disappear' is the exhibition, which boasts both behind-the-scenes portraits and the on-stage theatrics of the biggest stars in the music business.

Justin Thomas's photograph of Joe Strummer and John Peel.

Justin Thomas has spent the last 35 years working as a music photographer documenting the iconic faces of Rock'n'Roll, but more recent imagery which includes exclusive snaps from the biggest stars from the world of film. 'Thomas's enthusiasm for photography has never waned in an eventful 35 year wait for 'THE' shot.' His work has been continually featured in Music Publications, National and International Press.

Walking in to the gallery you could be forgiven for thinking the exhibition was a selection of the best rock and roll photographers from around the world due to the flooringly high calibre of subjects. 55 year old Thomas, who began photographing at the tender age of 18, states his favourite snap as a rare shot of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. A beautiful black and white image, the picture captures the three Motown legends in mid-song, the three grinning ear-to-ear.

Justin Thomas's photograph of The Specials.

Something, which was really wonderful to have accompany the images, was the back-story in which Thomas had ventured through to capture the image. A favourite came in the form of a very rare shot of a reunited Led Zepplin, after receiving a tip off about the wedding of John Bonam’s son, Justin, Thomas went along to the reception posing as the wedding photographer- you do the math.

Other highlights included a very sweet family bonding session between Gallagher brothers Noel and Liam, and some of the most impeccable timing in capturing Bob Marley’s airborne dreadlocks.

Arguably Thomas' most noted shot- and story to boot- was probably when Mick Jagger doused him with a bucketful of cold water — because he was fed up with having his picture taken. 
 


Photograph by Justin Thomas, currently exhibited at Graffik Gallery.

The photographs range from punk, through Rock'n'Roll, reggae, soul and the birth of Britpop. The Iconic photographs he has chosen for this exclusive presentation, feature shots in both colour and black and white. Acts such as Bob Marley, The Clash, Johnny Rotten, The Jam, The Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Iggy Pop, James Brown, Blondie, David Bowie, The Cure, Paul McCartney and Led Zeppelin, are shown in Black and White, and in colour he has selected such acts as, Blur, Axl Rose, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Oasis, Pete Doherty, Radiohead, Shaun Ryder, Sonic Youth, and U2.

Thomas's images will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition and online. The exhibition opened to the public on 20 July and will run for a period of 4 weeks.

The Graffik Gallery is located at: 284 Portobello Road London W10 5TE