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Punk continues to push itself to the forefront of everyone’s minds. The punk aesthetic made its way back into everyday fashion, the Metropolitan Museum of Art constructed an extensive exhibit and used it as a theme for its annual gala, and now, yet another punk-inspired exhibit is opening in Philadelphia. The Moore College of Art & Design will host “Pretty Vacant: The Graphic Language of Punk,” an exhibit featuring various kinds of art from the era, from handbills to a wide array of band posters.

Just as the sarcophagus instantly recalls ancient Egypt, this collection, full of the nitty-gritty artifacts, perfectly represent the mindset of the true punks. The eclectic nature of the pieces, many not viewed as typical art, sets up the entire attitude of the show; you just don’t look at a record sleeve quite the same way as a framed tableau.

Then there are the images themselves, the images that personify the D.I.Y. and unabashed mindset of those who refused to conform. Just as they master the art of deconstruction for what they wore, the art they created challenged art norms. Collage, clashing colors, and distorted perception transformed simple band merchandise into art.

This show presents an interesting contrast to the Met’s more prominent exhibit. Where “Pretty Vacant” relies in presenting the artifacts in a stripped-down manner, the Met’s “Chaos to Couture” exhibit was extremely staged. The couture clothing found itself surrounded by meticulously planned sets and specialized lighting.

Neither show is better nor worse; the range they present reflects the spectrum of punk culture. There were the neighborhood teens ripping their entire closet, and then there was the extreme of high fashion. When any cultural movement receives the attention like punk did, it spreads and reaches all facets of society.

The “Pretty Vacant” exhibit presents punk at its roots, and while both exhibits maintain the vitality of punk, the attitude, this one displays it in a pared-down way to which anyone can relate: the punk you’d see on the streets and at underground shows.

The exhibit runs until March 15th, and you can find more information here.

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