Return of the Rudeboy

Exhibition at Somerset House about the cultural heritage of the Rudeboy phenomenon born in Jamaica and revived with 2 Tone.

The main point of the show were some amazing portraits photos by Dean Chalkley of modern Rudeboys displayed in large format round the walls and in the first room within the lids of old suitcases. In the second room there were outfits up the middle of the room and a set of objects by Kitty Farrow presenting grooming accessories. In the final room there was a working barbers shop!

I found this all fascinating but was not sure by the end I actually knew what a Rudeboy was. The definition given by the show was “Visual commentators expressing attitude, individuality and integrity through personal style and mind set”. I’m not sure that helps. However it was visually stunning so who cares!

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