This major retrospective celebrates the work of British-Jamaican photographer Dennis Morris. Renowned for his intimate portraits of cultural icons such as Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols and Marianne Faithfull, Morris’s images are a vivid exploration of music, identity and social change.

Music + Life captures the spirit of some of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century culture, from the soulful vibrancy of reggae to the rebellious energy of punk. Morris provides a rare glimpse into the lives of legendary musicians, revealing the trust and connection he forged with his subjects. His candid photographs of Bob Marley, both on stage and off, along with the raw, chaotic world of the Sex Pistols, illustrate his unique ability to capture the personalities behind the music.

His long and fruitful collaboration with Bob Marley began when he was just 14. He bunked off school and asked Marley if he could photograph him. Of their lifelong partnership, he said ‘It was much more than just taking the photos. It was a teaching, a learning, a growing.’

Music + Life also highlights Morris’s early documentary work, which reflects life in the multicultural neighbourhoods of post-war London. His powerful series of photographs, such as Growing Up Black and Southall, document everyday Black British culture and celebrate the pride and resilience of communities often overlooked, capturing their challenges and triumphs with authenticity and respect.

Dennis Morris: Music + Life is a collaboration between Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP), Paris, and The Photographers’ Gallery. A new book Dennis Morris: Music + Life will be published by Thames & Hudson in February 2025.