Short Sharp Shock: A selection of works from the archive of Jamie Reid

Iconic British artist, anarchist, and activist, Jamie Reid returns to Croydon for a major new show ‘Short Sharp Shock’ with RISEgallery.

Born and raised in Croydon, Reid condemned the regeneration projects sweeping the borough in the 1960s, concerned about the implications of the huge state-led reformations on local communities. Sounds familiar!

At this time Reid met Malcolm McLaren, future manager of the Sex Pistols, while attending the Croydon School of Art. They were both very politically active involving themselves in the student movements of ’68. Reid was also responsible for the Suburban Press – a periodical challenging the irreversible changes to Croydon’s skyline, as we recognise it today. It was through these early illustrations that Reid developed his anti-establishment style of situationalist sloganeering and torn up images.

40 years on and the artist’s punk legacy and mass appeal have not simmered. Reid is not only one of the most important artists of his era, but to date, with a reach extending to the biggest contemporary artists of the 21st Century. Having recently collaborated with Shepard Fairey, the Obey artist writes:

"Jamie has been one of my biggest creative inspirations both visually and philosophically, because his work is bold, provocative, irreverent, and political… I’m honored that I have been able to work with Jamie"

Most recently Peter De Potter, the artist behind Kanye’s latest album cover, said of Reid’s art as "the work of a man speaking his mind". Other artists to draw inspiration from Reid include The Chemical Brothers, The Orb and The Prodigy.

‘Short Sharp Shock’ will feature some never before seen works, pieces from the artist’s personal archival collection, original illustrations from the Suburban Press and Reid’s biggest work to date, a mammoth 40 x 9ft mural never before exhibited in Croydon. This is an exhibition not to be missed by all lovers of Reid’s unique voice, artistry and graphical style.