RAVE CAPTURED

‘Rave Captured’ is a new exhibition of photographic print work by legendary street art pioneer Steve Lazarides, running 10 February – 10 March 2022 at House of Laz, a new ‘art speakeasy’ beneath Laz Emporium.

Lazarides’ first ever solo exhibition and the first time these works have been shown, the series was initially shot in 1992 and captures the euphoric birth of rave culture across North-East England. At a time when raves were being demonised by the press as a new wave of expression – and a threat to the fabric of society – Lazarides was present to document the emergence of various subcultures and the thousands who made them so electric, from the famous Blue Monkey club in Sunderland to the rave scene in Bristol and London’s Acid Jazz movement.

An evolution to Lazarides’ degree show 30 years ago (some pieces from which were used soon after in the V&A ‘Streetstyle’ show curated by Ted Polhemus), these works are screen-printed renditions, innovative responses to a scribble he found in a sketch book alongside the original photos: “See if you can screenprint the photos.” Printed on either brass or copper and distressed with aging fluids such as acid, ‘Rave Captured’ features a total of eight unique works.

‘Rave Captured’ takes place in the heart of London’s Soho and marks the re-launch of Laz Emporium, a space that is reinventing the curiosity shop for the 21st Century. Celebrating subculture in all its forms, Laz Emporium is home to limited runs of artworks and design collaborations with leading contemporary artists including Charming Baker, Jake Chapman, Jamie Hewlett and Jonathan Yeo.