Raymond Pettibon: The Punk Years, 1978-86

Before Pettibon gained international recognition in the mid-80s for his skillful marriage of text and drawing, he was an important figure in the Los Angeles alternative scene. Working inside the punk movement, Pettibon’s art from this early period encapsulates the irreverence, intensity, and heightened self-awareness of youth, and chronicles the development of his characteristic violently shadowed and coarse aesthetic. The exhibition features designs that Pettibon created for SST Records, founded by Pettibon’s brother and Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn, as well as graphics designed for such bands as The Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag and Waster Youth. Drawing from both the visual arts and the music scene, The Punk Years’ selection of zines, flyers, posters and album covers embodies the ultimate expression of the punk movement.

Raymond Pettibon: The Punk years, 1978-86 is the first in ICI’s Exhibitions in a Box series. Organized by Independent Curators International (ICI), New York, this exhibition has been curated by David Platzker. The exhibition is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; the ICI Board of Trustees, and ICI Benefactors Barbara and John Robinson.

Images by Christian Ramirez.