08/22/2026
We were lucky enough to catch the 50 Years of PUNK MAGAZINE exhibit at MASS MoCA!
"50 Years of PUNK, honoring the groundbreaking legacy of PUNK Magazine. 50 Years of PUNK celebrates not only the publication’s enduring cultural impact, but also the artists, photographers, and musicians who helped shape one of the most influential creative movements of the 20th century.
The collection of works is organized by Ki Smith Gallery and features art and photographs by Roberta Bayley, R. Crumb, Shepard Fairey, Danny Fields, Bob Gruen, and Chris Stein, and special contributions from Brian Eno, Debbie Harry, David Byrne, Mark Mothersbaugh, Joan Jett, and many more.
At the heart of 50 Years of PUNK is a suite of eleven signed and numbered silk screens produced by Gary Lichtenstein Editions. These works reimagine and revive original stills from PUNK Magazine, transforming the publication’s playful, subversive art and photography into bold, large-scale, and collectible fine art screen prints.
January 1976 saw the first issues of PUNK Magazine Issue #1 sold at the burgeoning downtown NYC club CBGB. When Rough Trade (U.K. Indie Label & Record Shop) imported thousands of copies of PUNK Magazine Issue #3 to England, it guaranteed attention for the Ramones’ legendary first UK performance (July 1976 at the Roundhouse) and the co-mingling of the U.S. and U.K. punk scenes. This underground zine would help define a generation and transform a downtown New York art and music scene into a global punk movement.
50 Years of PUNK invites audiences to revisit — and rediscover — the rebellious energy, humor, and artistic innovation that made PUNK Magazine a defining force in contemporary culture."
It's on exhibit until January 3, 2027. Check the link in our bio for more info!
