Video: The Art Of Punk - Episode 3: Dead Kennedys

From the chaotic, surreal, madness, of collage mixed with political folly that blazed their LP's and gig flyers; to the razor edge ultra-simplistic DK symbol that is still lovingly displayed on shirts across the world today, the latest episode of The Art Of Punk focuses on San Francisco punk band legends, the Dead Kennedys. In the fourteen minute video Jello Biafra discusses his own warped inspiration for the many sleeves and often controversial posters created in the early days of the band. We also meet pop surrealist artist Tim Biskup who chimes in about how the DK's affected and twisted his own young mind.  And finally we meet up with master collage artist, and designer of the DK's symbol, Winston Smith in his North Beach art studio, where he talks about how he was drawn into the early Bay Area punk scene - and his long and creative artist relationship with the Dead Kennedy's and Jello Biafra. 

Video: The Art Of Punk - Episode 2: Crass

From the black and white photo-realistic paintings of protest, anarchy, and social satire, to their legendary adopted brand and two headed snake and cross symbol  the latest installment of The Art of Punk is an inside look at the art and music of Crass..  In the video Gee Vaucher, and founding Crass member, writer, and activist, Penny Rimbaud discuss the art and the lifestyle stemming from the infamous Dial House, where they have lived, worked, and crated their own brand of anarchistic beauty, for more than 3 decades.  Onomatopoeia favorite, artist Scott Campbell, also chimes in to talk about how the art of Crass, and how one single t-shirt created a fork in the road of his own life and career. Finally British graphic designer Dave King - the creator of the infamous snake and cross symbol, discuss’ post war England, hippies, punk, graphic design, and more, that led him to the creation of the symbol made legend by the band. 

Video: The Art Of Punk - Episode 1: Black Flag

Whenever we can share something that combines our love of art with our love of music it’s always a good thing. The Art Of Punk, a new web show from MOCAtv premiered yesterday with an episode focusing on the art of Black Flag and is just that.

The show which was created, directed, and executive produced by writer/author of 'Fucked Up + Photocopied', Bryan Ray Turcotte (Kill Your Idols), and Bo Bushnell (The Western Empire) and traces the roots of the punk movement and the artists behind the iconic logos of punk bands such as: Black Flag (Raymond Pettibon), The Dead Kennedys (Winston Smith), and Crass (Dave King.) So you are basically getting some top tear experts in the subject matter and it shows throughout the twenty-two minute run time.

From the iconic four bars symbols, to the many coveted and collected gig flyers, singles, and band t-shirts, all depicting the distinctive Indian ink drawn image and text by artist Raymond Pettibon. The episode starts off in Los Angeles talking to two founding members of Black Flag, singer Keith Morris and bass player Chuck Dukowski, about what the scene was like in 1976 - setting the stage for the band’s formation, as well as the bands name, and the creation of the four bars symbol. Raymond Pettibon speaks from his New York art studio while  back in LA we hear from Fleaof the Red Hot Chili Peppers, about how the art, the music, and that early LA scene impacted his own life and career. To wrap it all up Henry Rollins chats via MOCA Grand Ave in Los Angeles, about all of the above and more.

Episodes exploring the visual identities of Dead Kennedys and Crass will debut soon at the MOCAtv YouTube channel. In addition to profiling the artists, the series includes intimate interviews with former band members, notable artists, and celebrities who have been heavily influenced by the art of punk rock including Jello Biafra, Tim Biskup, Scott Campbell, Steve Olson, Penny Rimbaud, Owen Thornton, and Gee Vaucher to name but a few.

The filmmakers Bryan Ray Turcotte and Bo Bushnell take a unique approach to exploring the rich histories of these three seminal punk legends by focusing on the influential imagery and seeking out stories that have not been told yet through the artwork, which is integral to the importance and influence of each band.