OG Punk: Dina Goldstein

Never has the saying 'it's just a phase' rung so falsely as it does in Dina Goldstein's OG Punk photography series, an exhibition that makes light of the longevity of the 1970's punk movement and celebrates the individuals that comprised and defined it. Goldstein shares with us a loving look at the different ways the true spirit of rebellion from that period continues to inspire each subject to this day. Whether it's the loud and boisterous statement in Mad Dog (2021), or the feeling of accomplishment and pride radiated by Wendy Thirteen (2021), it becomes clear that each image is a statement on a different facet of youth: unpredictable moments of elation and despair, tranquility and restlessness, optimistic views of the future mixed with the fear of inevitably growing old. Goldstein shows us that the dualities defining the Punk movement are in fact universal and pervade youth culture to this day, directly connecting 1972 to 2022, using each person or object or article of clothing as ambassadors to the modern world, carrying a message reading 'we were, we are, and we will continue to be'.

OG Punk marks Dina Goldstein's first solo exhibition with Abbozzo Gallery and will also be part of the Scotiabank CONTACT photography Festival during May 2022.