BACK IN THE DAZED: RANKIN 1991-2001

A new exhibition from photographer Rankin, Back in the Dazed highlights one photographer and one magazine, across one memorable decade.

From cult celebrities, to musical icons and the world’s top Supermodels, Rankin was at the forefront of Cool Britannia and the 90’s style which is still popular today. Co-founder and Dazed & Confused’s first Photographic Editor, Rankin’s visual style helped launch the magazine and defined the aesthetics of multiple generations of British youth.

Across 10 years Rankin photographed over 200 iconic editorial shoots for the magazine, and his work from this period forms a manifesto about how to view the world, a political statement communicated not with words but with a camera lens.

Unafraid of mainstream pressures, with Dazed, Rankin spearheaded LGBTQIA+ representation, took his camera to the street to photograph working-class kids, became “the” photographer for Brit-pop bands, and created defining images of emerging cult actors.

Not an artist of rarefied tastes, Rankin handed notions of “high-culture” to everyday people. With Dazed, he gave ordinary teenagers their voice and allowed them access to, and opinions on, everything from contemporary art to experimental music.

‍Back in the Dazed is the first retrospective in the UK of Rankin’s ground breaking works over this prescient decade. More vital than ever, through Rankin’s eye you’re invited to explore the culture and creative community that was celebrated world-over.

‍Back in the Dazed is a love letter to youthful creativity, all as captured by one legendary photographer and published by one seminal magazine.