San Francisco is abuzz with great photography exhibits this winter. Let me first call your attention to “Before They Make me Run – Portraits of Keith Richards” at The San Francisco Art Exchange.
Curated by Raj Prem and produced in association with SFAE, the exhibition features the work of some of the world’s greatest rock photographers. Included are images from iconic sessions such as Philip Townsend’s first ever photographs of the Stones in Chelsea in the early ’60s, Gered Mankowitz’s moody black-and-white portraits, Michael Cooper’s exotic images from Morocco and Joshua Tree, Michael Joseph’s “Beggars Banquet” photos, official Stones photographer Ethan Russell’s poetic images of the group’s infamous 1969 and 1972 US tours, and Dominique Tarle’s photos taken during the recording of “Exile on Main St.” in the South of France.
The shot in this post is my own personal favorite – Keith Richards at Seattle customs during The Rolling Stones American Tour of 1972. It’s an iconic photo of Richards taken by Ethan Russel.
“I saw Keith standing by the pillar and told him to lean against it. I took two shots and then signaled for Mick to join him so I would have them both, the “glimmer twins.” The customs officer noticed and threatened to confiscate the film, so I stopped. I knew what I had and didn’t want to lose it.” – Ethan Russell
This exhibit opened on October 23rd and does not yet have a closing date listed.
Before They Make me Run – Portraits of Keith Richards
San Francisco Art Exchange
458 Geary street (between Mason and Taylor)
800-344-9633
email info@sfae.com
