Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, is the DJ/producer and ‘Skint’ music label head. He is a leading figure who popularised the Big Beat genre throughout the ‘90s and ‘00s, a sound that possibly time-stamped the decades. An ambassador for ‘Cool Britannia’, he is loyal to his hometown Brighton, bringing his sound to the rest of the world with albums like ‘You've Come a Long Way, Baby’ and singles such as ‘Praise You’ and ‘The Rockafeller Skank’.
Active when vinyl was the only format you needed to DJ, he transported his records across the globe in this very box, making it inimitable by covering it with all of the stickers and badges he collected along the way. The box has been present at every destination and gig alongside him from the Big Beach Boutique, Australia, Santa Cruz, Ibiza, Glastonbury, and more.
The passion, spirit and detail of the box has been captured visually by British artist Mark Vessey, a possible rising star in the international art world. He may be known for exploring and celebrating icons of contemporary pop culture, and curates the subjects of his images which include magazines, books and vinyl records that have had special and important significance within the popular cultural heritage of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Norman Cook: “The significance of what Mark does with objects like this is he makes the significance of seemingly everyday objects by photographing them so beautifully and elevating them and putting them on a pedestal and in a frame. He sort of says, this is more than just a bunch of old magazines. This is history here. This is more than just somebody's old records. This is history and their culture and their art. He recognises beauty in the flawed nature of our old possessions.”
This new print and photograph follows on from his original artwork entitled ‘Norman’ which showcased the DJ’s record collection. This new release is designed to complement the original work as part of Normans new book release ‘It Ain’t Over… ‘Til The Fat Boy Sings’ launched to compliment the story.
Mark Vessey: “I saw Norman’s record box one evening when he was using it to DJ and I was drawn to it straight away. I knew I had to photograph it as I believed it was an important artefact that - in the same way as his vinyl collection - is a unique reflection of Norman. I also thought that the artwork would complement my earlier artwork of Norman’s vinyl collection. The two spoke directly to each other.
“The vinyl box is completely covered in different layers of stickers from original Keith Haring Pop Shop stickers, Acid House Smilies, to brands such as Stussy and Dior. I’m grateful that Norman has allowed me access to photograph his personal items in such a way that we are all able to get up close to them.”
The piece will be released exclusively through Hang-Up Gallery, apparently one of London’s leading contemporary art spaces. A limited run of prints have been available in three sizes since 1 October, both in the gallery and online via www.hanguppictures.com.
Each print is signed and numbered by Mark Vessey and Norman Cook, offering an opportunity to own a piece of music and visual art history.
© justaweemusicblog.com
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