Enter Gallery presents - 'Carl Cox by Mark Vessey'

03 July 2024 - Press release

Chosen from his 150,000 piece vinyl collection Carl Cox selects his ‘absolute super star’ records for art collaboration with UK photographic artist Mark Vessey

The Unmissable Event Showcasing the Musical Journey of a Dance Music Pioneer

 

Enter Gallery proudly announces an extraordinary exhibition, featuring an exclusive art collaboration between world-renowned DJ and electronic artist Carl Cox and acclaimed UK photographic artist Mark Vessey. The exhibition, titled ‘Carl Cox by Mark Vessey’ will take place on Saturday, 20th July 2024, from 7-8.30 pm at Enter Gallery, Bond Street, Brighton.

This unique event showcases Carl Cox’s carefully selected records from his 150,000-plus vinyl collection, reflecting the key musical moments that have defined his illustrious career. From Funk, Soul, Disco, and Rare Groove to Rave, Detroit Techno, Hip Hop, Electro, and 80s Pop, this collection highlights the sounds that have shaped Carl’s journey as one of the most influential DJs in the world.

Carl Cox shares his deep connection to these records:“Each record I chose has a story behind it, and it was very emotional choosing the records that helped shape my journey. Watching Mark work really makes me understand how you can look deeper into art, and it makes me realise what a privilege and responsibility I have when sharing my love of music with the dancefloor.”

This new artwork is an intimate reflection of Carl Cox’s journey through his extensive vinyl collection. Many of these records played a pivotal role in his early days as a mobile DJ and his rise to fame as the ‘Three Deck Wizard.’ During the pandemic, Carl broadcast 52 episodes of his ‘Cabin Fever – The Vinyl Sessions,’ sharing his personal collection with the world. This artwork includes some of those iconic tracks, featuring releases by Run DMC, Carrie Lucas, Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran, Lil Louis, Doug Lazy, and many more.

Carl has a unique story as a DJ, from growing up in the 60s being heavily influenced by his Barbadian father’s modest record collection. He eventually took ownership of it and further established a collection of his own, built upon the pillar of his father’s musical legacy incorporating Rhythm & Blues, Country & Western, Reggae, Soca and Jazz. Shaping his musical universe and allowing him to understand music at a tender age which he now considers his super power.

Carl continues: “Every single one of these records are not promos; I literally went to the record store and stood there and went through the music… this collection is the best of the best.”

Mark Vessey adds: “It has been an honour to work with Carl Cox, to have his trust and time to explore his archive. Carl Cox is unique in sewing together multiple generations through his passion for music. Each one of his vinyl holds a piece of his story. My hope in photographing them together is that they visually reflect his love and shared history back to us.”

Mark Vessey has previously created photographic works that showcase collections of dance music subgenres including House Music, Funk ‘n’ Soul as well as collections inspired by Bowie and Kate Moss. He has also documented past covers of physical print magazines that we adore including Dazed & Confused, Mixmag, I-D and NME, covering music culture in an impactful and unique way, evoking the nostalgic emotions we have for different mediums. He has established himself on the artistic stage as an incisive celebrant and masterful documenter of popular culture. 

Helen Hiett, Enter Gallery’s Head of Buying comments “Mark has an extraordinary eye for detail; he's truly a visual storyteller. His work not only narrates the love story of an artist’s journey but also evokes the memories and stories people share when they listen to these albums. While Mark’s art is known for its collectability it’s the smiles and stories his work inspires that make it truly special for me.”

 

'Carl’ is a photographic print from a limited edition of 50 and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by both Mark Vessey and Carl Cox.

Editions Available:

80cm x 80cm C-type Photograph

95cm x 95cm C-type Photograph

110cm x 110cm C-type Photograph

150cm x 150cm Original Photograph (on display at the launch)

 

The exhibition will be launched with a private view event at Enter Gallery on Saturday, 20th July. 

 

Date: Saturday, 20th July 2024  

Time: 7-8.30 pm  

Location: Enter Gallery, 13 Bond Street, Brighton, BN1 1RD