KEXP is thrilled to announce a retrospective exhibit by Seattle photographer Lance Mercer in the Gathering Space. Several of the pieces shown have never been seen publicly before. Join Lance at a meet-and-greet reception on Tuesday, Dec. 19th from 4:00-6:00. And, tune in to KEXP that day to hear Lance share stories and music with Kevin Cole on the Afternoon Show from 2:30-4:00.
Sound & Vision III: AIM + INTENT by Lance Mercer | A Retrospective
Where: KEXP Gathering Space, 472 1st Ave N, Seattle
Meet-and-Greet: Tuesday, December 19, 4-6 PM
“I was involved in the punk scene in Seattle and realized early on that if I had a camera, I could probably get into shows and up closer easier than without a camera. And I realized that I didn’t have to be Ansel Adams to take photographs. I didn’t have to be a technical wizard. The same kind of ethic that the Ramones had musically, I could apply photographically.” ~ Lance Mercer
Within the past two decades, it has become increasingly difficult to flip through major musical publications or albums at a store and not come across a jaw-dropping, iconic image by the inspiring Lance Mercer.
Born and raised in Seattle, Mercer began documenting in his early teens the punk scene, as well as life with his friends and their bands: unique individuals who would eventually became the voices behind one of the PNW’s most important musical movements. Captivated by the musician’s life, as well as the symbiotic relationship between artist and fans, Mercer captured the energy of individuals who changed music history forever. His dynamic subjects ranged from passionate basement punks to charismatic characters who eventually formed bands like Malfunkshun, Mother Love Bone, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam. Mercer was invited to tour with Pearl Jam from 1992 to 1995 as their official photographer, and with this unparalleled access, caught some of the most intimate and intoxicating moments of one of the world’s most private bands.
He has since released two books related to this period: a retrospective with fellow Seattle photographer, Charles Peterson, called Place/Date (1997), and 5X1: Pearl Jam Through the Eye of Lance Mercer (2007). Today, Mercer continues to forge a path as a visual storyteller, applying his talents in the music, editorial, and commercial worlds as well as production, direction, and filming of documentary projects. His work continues to be published and exhibited locally and internationally.
KEXP is truly honored to host Sound & Vision III: AIM + INTENT, a historical retrospective of the utterly compelling photography of Lance Mercer.
