present tense
dc punk and diy right now
the book
Present Tense: DC Punk and DIY, Right Now is a photo book of images from DC punk, hardcore, and DIY bands that are active and recently active in the scene. Captured from 2015 - 2019, these photos were made in traditional venues, dive bars, basements, warehouses, churches, galleries, living rooms, restaurants, and even a neighborhood grocery store in the DMV area.
This book exists as a response to those who might think that DC punk died out in the 90s, or speak to the creativity of this community in the past tense. It is a celebration of bands who define the present, and bands who played three shows and called it. This is an argument against nostalgia, against complacency. It is a celebration of one of the most revered traditions of modern music, in the context of today.
With cover lettering by Sarah O'Donoghue, the book is now in its second printing.
the exhibition
Named for the book, Present Tense: DC Punk and DIY Right Now was Transformer Gallery's 17th Annual DC Solo Artist Exhibition, and ran from January 18, 2020 through February 29, 2020. It was my first solo exhibition.
This show featured 16 photographs from the Present Tense book. To maximize this small and mighty DIY space, the exhibition included the following programming:
An artist talk with Cynthia Connolly (creator of Banned In DC)
An all-ages DIY Day to benefit Girls Rock! DC which raised $150 for the arts non-profit
Book release event for the Present Tense featuring Les the DJ
Transformer is a Washington, DC based 501 (c) 3 artist-centered, non-profit visual arts organization. Founded in June 2002 by artists & arts organizers, Transformer provides a consistent, supportive, and professional platform for emerging artists to explore and present experimental artistic concepts, build audiences for their work, and advance their careers. A catalyst and advocate for contemporary artists and emergent expression in the visual arts, Transformer connects and promotes emerging visual artists within regional, national and international contexts through innovative exhibition and programs partnerships with a broad & diverse range of individual and organizational partners.
exhibition press: Washington Post | District Fray | Full Service Radio (with Cynthia Connolly)
