Intro

     The Punk movement originated in the underground scene of New York, but made its way to Britain in the mid 1970s where it flourished. In New York, the main idea was to provoke mainstream media with its erratic fast paced music and fashion expressions of nonconformity. In Britain, the same elements were incorporated, but it became more politically centered, as it was facing political and economic issues such as high inflation and unemployment rates. With the rise of the punk scene, the young demographic found an opportunity to express their anger with the ongoing issues surrounding them. Over time, the punk movement has evolved significantly, with each decade facing its own social and political movement. This project will show the evolution of punk politics and how the ideology behind the movement influenced how political and social beliefs were represented.

 

The New York Dolls, 1973. One of the first bands to develop during the early punk scene, were well known for breaking boundaries with their bold fashion statements. They often dressed in high heels and makeup, embracing androgynous looks.

The Sex Pistols, one of the most integral bands of the punk scene in the U.K., were  most famous for their 'punk anthems': God Save The Queen and Anarchy in the U.K.. Despite their short lived career, their influence carried on through the evolution of punk music.