MY RULES: Photozine

by Glen E. Friedman

Glen E. Friedman, considered one of the most important photographers of his generation, became well known for working with such rebellious artists as Fugazi, Black Flag, Ice-T, Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat, Misfits, Bad Brains, Beastie Boys, Run-D.M.C, KRS-1, and Public Enemy, as well as old school skateboarders like: Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Alan "Ollie" Gelfand, Duane Peters, and Stacy Peralta, among others. Many of his photographs are recognized as the subjects' definitive portraits. His graphic documents of the movement in culture reveal the science of defiance upon which all are based. Friedman's photos reflect the spirit of progression and angst that defined an era. Not only was he in the right places at an extraordinary number of appropriate times, Friedman has helped define the moment and movements he was caught up in. His process was much more incendiary than it was documentary. MY RULES was the first photozine to capture this era and the first publication by Glen E. Friedman.

Genres: Art, Photography, Music

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Glen E. Friedman, (Born 1962) considered one of the most important photographers of his generation, became well known for working with such rebellious artists as Fugazi, Black Flag, Ice-T, Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat, Misfits, Bad Brains, Beastie Boys, Run-D.M.C, KRS-1, and Public Enemy, as well as old school skateboarders like: Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Alan "Ollie" Gelfand, Duane Peters, and Stacy Peralta, among others. Many of his photographs are recognized as the subjects' definitive portraits. His graphic documents of the movement in culture reveal the science of defiance upon which all are based. Friedman's photos reflect the spirit of progression and angst that defined an era. Not only was he in the right places at an extraordinary number of appropriate times, Friedman has helped define the moment and movements he was caught up in. His process was much more incendiary than it was documentary. According to Henry Rollins "The bottom line is that he was there at the beginning of so much cool stuff in so many different areas it's not funny."

"Inspiring people, with integrity and rebelliousness."

For the past quarter century, Friedman has been doing just that.

- Los Angeles Times

"One of the greats of his generation."

- Washington Post

"The most prolific photographer of his generation."

- American Institute of Graphic Arts

"The esoteric political and aesthetic conscience of his generation..."

- Juxtapoz magazine

Glen E. Friedman's captivating images demonstrate his remarkable eye for raw reality, talent and aesthetic beauty. He is, without doubt, one of this generation's most discerning and important photographers, Friedman has documented like no one else.

Reviews

[Joe Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully presented large GEF print photos, some familiar but all brilliant. The images are immediately immersive and intense, clearly shot from the perspective of a person who lived those same experiences and could therefore perfectly capture the essence of the skating, punk and hip-hop subcultures. Some insightful notes from many of the featured subjects, others slightly less so.

[Mark Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE: My review applies to the 52-page black-and-white Burning Flag Press edition based on the 1982 zine and not the 342-page, full-color book put out later.

Excellent early '80s live pictures of classic punk bands: Minor Threat, Black Flag, Descendents, Bad Brains, Minutemen, etc. A few introductory words from back in the day by Ian MacKaye and Keith Morris. Not a single photo of a woman, not even in the background at shows. Nice reproduction on big Kindle, but it won't let you zoom in on photos.

[Mills College Library]

779.2092 F9113 2014