Rebels + Icons: The Photography of Janette Beckman

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Exhibition Open Now

- MOPOP Permanent Collection

Included in General Admission

Open now through

September 8, 2026

Included in General Admission

Opens

May 15, 2026

Included in General Admission

Rebels + Icons: The Photography of Janette Beckman

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A Visual Legacy of Music, Fashion, and Culture

Rebels + Icons: The Photography of Janette Beckman presents the most extensive collection of Beckman’s work to date, bringing together over four decades of photography that continue to define contemporary culture.

From the raw pulse of 1970s British punk and the rise of Hip-Hop in 1980s New York to modern-day movements and beyond, Beckman’s lens captures the artists and communities shaping music, street culture, fashion, and activism across her ongoing career. With more than 500 photographs, rare archival materials, and immersive experiences, this exhibition invites visitors to explore the moments when underground scenes became global influences.

Keith Haring, New York City, 1985 © Janette Beckman

About the Exhibition

Explore an unparalleled collection of Janette Beckman’s work, including:

500+ photographs spanning four decades, from early punk portraits in London and the emergence of Hip-Hop culture in New York to modern-day activism.

Iconic portraits of cultural trailblazers including Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, and other artists who shaped their scenes.

Street photography capturing everyday rebellion, from rodeos and parades to biker crews and communities across the nation.

Fashion campaigns and street style photography featuring brands like Levi’s, Dior, and Gucci X Dapper Dan.

The powerful I VOTE BECAUSE portrait series, documenting activism and civic voice.

Rare archival materials and personal notes from Beckman’s collection, offering insight into the stories and creative process behind the lens.

Exhibition Highlights

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Close-up of audio mixing console sliders and knobs with volume levels indicated.

Soundproof Rooms

Twelve acoustically isolated rooms known as studio pods, contain interactive devices, gear, and traditional instruments. Take a lesson, jam with others in the room, try out vocals, and learn about the art of mixing. Special reverberation technology lets you adjust the sound so it's as big as an amphitheater, or as intimate as a living room.

Triptych of black and white images showing a guitar headstock, piano keys, and a guitar tuning peg in close-up.

Trios

Each of the tall semi-enclosed structures on Sound Lab's main floor contains three interactive instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboard or drums. These instruments use sophisticated audio, computer graphics and MIDI to guide you through a variety of learning activities, whether it's learning to play "Louie Louie," or discovering what a 12-bar blues is. You can also choose to forego a lesson to play instruments on your own or with friends and family. Acoustically optimized dividers in each trio let you rock your socks off without disturbing anyone else.

Black and white close-up of drumheads and cymbals with textured wear marks.

The Big Drum

The heart of Sound Lab, The Big Drum recalls the early rhythms our ancestors played around the fire. You don't need any special skills to play it, other than the ones you'd bring to a conversation. Just listen and answer back.

Audio Technology Interactives

How do guitar players make such different sounds? Can an audio engineer really fix it in the mix? Technology has played a huge role in the creation of the sounds of rock 'n' roll, both behind the scenes in the recording studio and up on the bandstand. Find out more about the recording process, amps, samplers, effects pedals, and microphones.

Black and white close-up of a vinyl record player’s tonearm and platter.

DJ Hallway

In the hands of a skilled DJ, turntables can produce music that would have been impossible just a few short decades ago. Ever wonder how DJs make that scratching sound or move from one record to the next? Find out in DJ Hallway, situated in the back of Sound Lab.

Two musicians in a dimly lit room, one playing a keyboard and the other playing an electric guitar.

Jam Studios

Check out the state-of-the-art Jam Studio where you can record your own song using drums, guitars, keyboards, and vocals, then download and share with your friends for free.

In-Exhibition Experiences

Enter Beckman’s creative world through immersive gallery experiences:

Immersive Photo Studio
Step into Beckman-inspired sets and lighting to create your own portraits.

Projection-Mapped Stories
Select photographs come to life through layered projections that reveal the stories behind the images.

Dynamic Digital Galleries
Embedded screens throughout the exhibition unlock deeper collections of Beckman’s work, revealing hundreds of additional images.

Film Installation
A documentary combining exclusive interviews with cultural figures and archival footage that brings Beckman’s documented worlds to life.

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