Photography exhibition exploring “modern rave culture” to land in Manchester
‘Tough Luck presents: KNEES UP’ arrives at Smolensky Gallery on February 10
A photography exhibition exploring modern-day rave culture and music subcultures is set to land in Manchester next month.
Tough Luck presents: KNEES UP heads to Smolensky Gallery in Deansgate, Manchester, on Saturday, February 10, from 6:PM until 11:PM.
The exhibition features photography from rave photographers including Laks, Cinshot, George Verinder, Marzuq Rehman, and Guttershotz, with a look into “the world of electronic music and underground parties”.
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Hosted by Tough Luck, a photography archive documenting dance music cultures around the world, KNEES UP also promises insight into “the characters that make up this vibrant subculture through the lens of our extremely talented photographers”.
“Our photography exhibition transcends conventional art experiences; it's a spirited celebration of music, freedom, diversity, and boundless creativity,” reads a description of the exhibition.
Tough Luck’s Jordan Taylore tells Mixmag: “Buzzing to be hosting another photography exhibition, this time in Manchester.”
The exhibition follows an earlier edition in London last April. Tough Luck will be donating a portion of ticket sale profits to The Photography Foundation, a charity organisation raising money for “less advantaged young adults in London”.
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“I want to create a space for people to not only to view an array of artwork from some extremely talented photographers, but a gathering in which people can have a few drinks, chat, and meet new like-minded people,” he says.
Tough Luck began as a lockdown project in 2020 from Newcastle’s Jordan Taylor, a film photography fan and a lover of “youth and rave culture from around the world”.
“I was missing that sense of freedom and thrill you get at raves and nights out, so it was a great thing to look back on and reminisce,” he told Mixmag in 2022.
Grab your tickets to Tough Luck presents: KNEES UP here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter