Photo: Courtesy artnet.com.
“I don’t know which will go first—rock and roll or Christianity,” John Lennon reportedly once told the London Evening Standard in a 1966 interview. The Beatles frontman was onto something.
When rock and roll made its debut, it shook the Western world to its core, and it continues to define generations. Rock music has also inspired countless artists in other mediums, particularly the visual arts. In the spirit of that notion, the organizers of the Aperture Foundation’s annual benefit auction asked each artist featured to pair their work with a song which speaks to the heart and soul of the work.
We selected a few of our favorites from artnet Auctions‘ online sale, titled “The Playlist,” for Aperture Foundation, featuring works by Catherine Opie, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Richard Learoyd. Be on the lookout for songs by the beloved rockers like Beatles, Daft Punk, and David Bowie.
Danny Clinch, Black Love (1995).
Danny Clinch, Black Love (1995). Song: “Night by Candlelight” by The Afghan Whigs.
Jacqueline Hassink, Chery girl 1, Shanghai (2005).
Jacqueline Hassink, Chery girl 1, Shanghai (2005). Song: “Drive My Car” by the Beatles.
Jan Staller, The Courtship of Yves Klein (2015).
Jan Staller, The Courtship of Yves Klein (2015). Song: “In Dreams” by Roy Orbison.
Benjamin Lowy, Lexington Avenue Walkscape (2015).
Benjamin Lowy, Lexington Avenue Walkscape (2015). Song: “Fall” by Daft Punk.
Thomas Allen, Song to the Siren (2015).
Thomas Allen, Song to the Siren (2015). Song: “Song to the Siren” by This Mortal Coil (Tim Buckley cover).
Erwin Olaf, VOGUE NL, Still-Life 01 (2013).
Erwin Olaf, VOGUE NL, Still-Life 01 (2013). Song: “Ashes to Ashes” by David Bowie.
Alex Webb, Miami Beach (1989).
Alex Webb, Miami Beach (1989). Song: “Call it Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker.
Todd Hido, #11382-1611 (2013).
Todd Hido, #11382-1611 (2013). Song: “As I Sat Sadly By Her Side” by Nick Cave.
Eric Ogden, I Dream a Highway Back to You (2015).
Eric Ogden, I Dream a Highway Back to You (2015). Song: “I Dream a Highway” by Gillian Welch.
“The Playlist: A Benefit Auction for Aperture” will be open for bidding on artnet Auctions until October 26, 2015. The 2015 benefit and live auction will take place at Terminal 5 on October 26.