The Dazed Decades - Knokke-Heist
Scharpoord Cultural Centre, Knokke-heist, Belgium
25th March - 11th June 2023
1991 saw the publication of the first-ever issue of the iconic fashion and culture magazine Dazed & Confused. A publication that has led and defined tastes for over three decades, its visual iconography is known the world over. Co-founder and Dazed’s first photographic editor, Rankin set the visual tone the magazine is now known for. Internationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading photographers, it was during The Dazed Decades that he honed his craft.
Rankin’s works from this period form a manifesto about how to view the world, a political statement communicated not with words but with a camera lens.
So here we explore five rules for viewing and acting. Across our topics, “Feel It”, “TV is Boring”, “Emperor’s New Clothes”, “Accept No Imitations”, and “Absolutely Flawless?”, we share with you Rankin’s way of being.
Part self-help, part provocation, The Dazed Decades are a map for existence expressed through popular culture.
Public Offerings Ltd.
From concept, pitching, contract negotiation, and archival research, through scanning, post-production, and print management, to installation, press releases, and private tours - Public Offerings Ltd. was at the heart of this museum show.
Curatorial Direction
The Dazed Decades was comprised of 300 images showcased over 720sqm of wall space, two floors and 7 exhibition rooms.
A mixture of colour and black & white photography mounted on aluminium, alongside high-quality large-scale vinyl exhibition prints.
The show also included bold graphic design and use of colour to merge the editorial style and feel of early Dazed & Confused magazines with an immersive gallery experience.
Publication
Published to coincide with Rankin’s solo museum show The Dazed Decades at Knokke-Heist, Belgium, Spring 2023.
Over 200 pages of images from Rankin’s archive, including unseen works. Includes an exclusive introductory text from Rankin about his memories of starting The Dazed Decades, alongside essays and chapter openings by photography expert and curator Ellen Stone.
The Dazed Decades is a truly personal look at one of the most important cultural touchstones of the contemporary era, THE DAZED DECADES explores the practice and principles behind a superstar photographer and publisher.
Archive research, image selection, text, design and print management all by Public Offerings Ltd.
