The National Portrait Gallery showcases ‘The Face Magazine: Culture Shift,’ celebrating the groundbreaking publication’s impact on contemporary culture and visual storytelling.
The National Portrait Gallery in London is currently hosting an exhibition titled “The Face Magazine: Culture Shift,” which explores the influential legacy of the iconic publication The Face. Launched in 1980 by Nick Logan, the magazine has been described as a “style bible” that played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary culture through its innovative design, impactful photography, and bold editorial choices. The exhibition, running from February 20 to May 18, brings together a selection of prints, magazine spreads, and multimedia works to illustrate the magazine’s historical and cultural significance.
Sabina Jaskot-Gill, curator of the exhibition, emphasizes that The Face was not only capturing the essence of the contemporary cultural landscape but also actively involved in inventing and reinventing it. This sentiment is echoed by Phil Bicker, the magazine’s art director, who describes The Face as “a catalyst that challenged and changed broader culture.” Both Jaskot-Gill and Bicker highlight how the publication anticipated cultural trends and democratized information, continuing to influence today’s visual culture, especially in the context of digital and social media.
Among the numerous highlights of the exhibition are famous magazine covers featuring prominent figures such as supermodel Kate Moss, designer Alexander McQueen, and musician Kurt Cobain. Additionally, there are lesser-known images being showcased for the first time, drawn from the vast archives of The Face. These photographs and artworks collectively serve as an extensive exploration of the magazine’s role as a champion of innovative photography, allowing image-makers to disrupt prevailing cultural norms.
The Face, under Logan’s direction, recognized a unique market opportunity by merging the worlds of art, fashion, and music. This approach transformed it into a must-read publication that significantly influenced the visual landscape of the 1980s and 1990s. Journalist Paul Gorman, in “The Story of The Face,” notes that the magazine propelled its cover stars into the national spotlight and became a reference point for art directors globally.
In capturing the essence of youth culture, The Face took an experimental approach to visual storytelling. The magazine was known for its raw, authentic photography, often deviating from the polished aesthetics typical in high fashion. Notable photographers such as Janette Beckman documented pivotal moments in music history, including a significant 1984 shoot with the hip-hop group Run-DMC in Queens, New York. Beckman remarked on the transformational nature of the photos she captured, saying, “These were not cold hard fashion photos… I remember going to appointments with my book and them saying, ‘These aren’t fashion photographs, these are documentary.’”
The magazine also played a critical role during the rise of Britpop and the “Cool Britannia” movement in the late 1990s, helping to shape a visual language that defined an entire generation. For instance, a 1995 portrait by Juergen Teller captures producer Goldie in a casual yet striking composition, encapsulating the raw energy of the era.
The Face continued to evolve into the 1990s and 2000s, embracing the shift to digital technology. The magazine incorporated hyperreal aesthetics and groundbreaking designs under art director Lee Swillingham, featuring works by photographers like Norbert Schoerner, who utilized emerging digital tools to blend photography with graphic design.
Despite its initial closure in 2004 due to economic challenges, The Face was revived in 2019 as a print-online hybrid, maintaining its commitment to pushing visual boundaries while highlighting emerging image-makers. The exhibition serves as a testament to the magazine’s enduring influence and its capacity to foster authenticity and creativity within the realms of fashion, music, and youth culture.
Visitors to the National Portrait Gallery can explore how The Face not only documented cultural shifts but also played a key role in creating them, underscoring its relevance even in the digital age.
Source: Noah Wire Services
