Brian Shanley
“I Was There – An Experience in Photography”
Featuring Special Guest Martin Atkins
Opening August 1st, 2025, 6pm
317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St. Rockford, Il
Friday, August 1st, 6pm Opening night reception for Brian Shanley solo exhibition: “I Was There – An Experience in Photography.” Celebrated photographer and graphic designer Brian Shanley is best known for his visual work with Wax Trax! Records, and was responsible for many of the earliest photographs, LP artwork and store ads of the early Wax Trax years in Chicago. This exhibit showcases not only work from the Wax Trax years, but his seminal band photographs that he shot during his time before settling in at the record label’s art department. Many of these incredible shots were only recently published , and some were not even seen by many of the bands themselves. This collection offers a rare and visceral glimpse into the explosive post-punk and industrial music scene of the 1980s.
Drawn from Shanley’s personal archives, these photographs capture the raw energy, chaos, and soul of a music movement that shaped generations. Brian Shanley was embedded in the underground scene with a camera in hand, documenting not just concerts, but culture.
Special guest Martin Atkins will bring even more voltage to the opening night. Best known for his drumming with legendary post-punk and industrial acts including Public Image Ltd, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Pigface, and Killing Joke, Atkins is also a respected music industry consultant, author, and educator. Atkins is also the founder of the Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music in Chicago and an honorary board member of the nonprofit Rock For Kids.
For opening night only, Atkins will be onsite speaking about the industrial music world in a way that only he can, offering personal insight into the very world Shanley captured on film.
And for a special bonus: Atkins will do a DJ set!
to see, and now they can feel tExhibition Details:
Opening Reception: Friday, August 1st, 6pm
Spoken Word + DJ Set by Martin Atkins: 7:30pm
Exhibition Dates: August 1- August 30
Location: 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford, Il, 611-7
Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 12-5
Admission: Free and open to the public
Don’t miss this rare convergence of music, photography, and storytelling—one night only.
This event was made possible by a generous grant from the Rockford Area Arts Council.
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