TAM x CHARLES PETERSON // MOPOP x KEITH HARING
The Tacoma Art Museum in collaboration with Minor Matters presents an exploration of Charles Peterson’s photography with Charles Peterson’s Nirvana. Offering an intimate look into the dynamic energy of the “grunge” era, this unique exhibition celebrates Peterson’s artful perspective and invites audiences to delve into the profound impact of his work on the cultural and musical landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Further to the North, the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle presents ‘Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy’, a special exhibition offering an in-depth celebration of the iconic artist’s life, work, and activism from NYC to Seattle through 240+ Haring artworks and objects, a selection from Haring’s personal art collection, 20 objects from Angel Ortiz (LAII), and a community youth partnership.
Through the Lens of Charles Peterson
Charles Peterson’s photography transcends mere documentation, capturing the raw essence of the “grunge” era with a rare intimacy. Internationally known for his distinct visual style, Peterson’s photographs offer a visceral and timeless look into the 90s Northwest music scene. Charles Peterson’s Nirvana – this first museum exhibition on the West Coast based on his eponymous book, open now through May 25th, 2025 – celebrates both iconic and never-before-seen photographs, reflecting years of meticulous editing.
Presented by Tacoma Art Museum and curated by Michelle Dunn Marsh of Minor Matters, the exhibition integrates Peterson’s evocative gelatin-silver and pigment prints with works by artists such as Sylvia Plachy, Nicholas Galanin, and Peterson’s photography mentor, Paul Berger. Through this rich visual narrative, viewers are invited to explore the nuanced intersection of Peterson’s work with broader cultural and artistic movements. Charles Peterson’s Nirvana showcases photographs that not only document a musical revolution but invite viewers to immerse themselves in the living narrative he preserved so strikingly.
Born in Longview, Washington, and educated at the University of Washington, Peterson’s early work with Sub Pop Records became essential to the iconic imagery of the “grunge” era. His photography has featured in numerous publications and exhibitions worldwide and resides in the permanent collections of Seattle Art Museum and MOPOP.
Michelle Dunn Marsh on Our Relationship with Time
“One of the joys of curating this exhibition of Charles Peterson’s work was considering, and discussing with him, some of the profound differences between how we grew up and the times we live in today. He started making photographs seriously as a teenager, participating in his junior high and high school journalism programs. I did the same as a teen with typesetting, writing, and layout. No-one then told us these were careers—it just didn’t occur to them, or, really, to us. We were doing what we were passionate about, what interested us and put us into contact with people, ideas, sounds, images that were transformative. It took commitment to get good at any craft or medium—music, photography, writing. We had a different relationship with time then. Some of us are finding our way forward into a slower, thoughtful time again. It’s needed. And I hope the exhibition provides an experience of slow time.”
- Michelle Dunn Marsh, Guest Curator and Publisher, Minor Matters
Keith Haring: Art as Activism
Keith Haring’s art is inseparable from its message—a vibrant repertoire of bold lines and radiant colors that dance across canvases and public spaces alike. Born out of the New York City street culture of the 1980s, Haring’s work pulsated with the energy of activism. His recurring motifs, like the “Radiant Baby” and barking dogs, transformed mundane urban settings into stages for social commentary, addressing issues from the AIDS epidemic to apartheid. His ability to communicate complex social issues in accessible and visually stunning ways continues to inspire artists and activists globally. The MOPOP exhibition, open now through March 23, 2025, delves deep into his legacy, celebrating how Haring’s rhythmic lines and progressive vision remain relevant more than forty years after their creation.
Time, Space, Place, and Craft
What does it mean for these two Pacific Northwestern museums to present these two artists, in the time, place, and space we find ourselves in today? In an era where technology accelerates cultural diffusion, the stories, works, and legacies of Keith Haring and Charles Peterson carry a unique resonance. They remind us that art is more than entertainment; it’s a powerful medium for change and reflection. Their art continues to encourage generations to explore issues as relevant to today as they were at their creation, using creativity as a tool for dialogue and understanding. As both museums open their doors to these influential exhibitions, they invite us to ponder why these narratives continue to hold sway.
Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy is a Single Source Traveling Exhibition provided by PANART Connections, a Private Collection.
Want to dive deeper into the world of music, art, and culture? Donate today using Member Code ‘NIRVANA’ for a chance to win a free copy of the Charles Peterson’s Nirvana art book! Click here to access our donation page.
Winners will be announced in our December Membership Newsletter.
Charles Peterson’s Nirvana Image Credits:
Charles Peterson (born Longview, Washington, 1964) Motorsports International Garage, Seattle, September 22, 1990 Gelatin silver print 11 x 14 inches Courtesy of the artist © Charles Peterson from Charles Peterson’s Nirvana and courtesy Minor Matters