House & techno legend Carl Cox has selected his ‘absolute superstar’ records for an art collaboration with UK photography artist Mark Vessey. The exhibition, titled ‘Carl Cox by Mark Vessey’ will take place on July 20th at Enter Gallery in Brighton, UK.
The event will showcase Cox’s carefully selected records from his 150,000-plus vinyl collection, reflecting the key musical moments that have defined his illustrious career.
From Funk, Soul, Disco, and Rare Groove to Rave, Detroit Techno, Hip Hop, Electro, and 80s Pop, the collection highlights the sounds that have shaped Carl’s journey as one of the most influential DJs in the world.
Here’s what Coxy had to say:
“Each record I chose has a story behind it, and it was very emotional choosing the records that helped shape my journey. Watching Mark work really makes me understand how you can look deeper into art, and it makes me realise what a privilege and responsibility I have when sharing my love of music with the dancefloor.”
This new artwork is an intimate reflection of Carl Cox’s journey through his extensive vinyl collection. Many of these records played a pivotal role in his early days as a mobile DJ and his rise to fame as the ‘Three Deck Wizard.’
During the pandemic, Carl broadcasted 52 episodes of his ‘Cabin Fever – The Vinyl Sessions,’ sharing his personal collection with the world. This artwork includes some of those iconic tracks, featuring releases by Run DMC, Carrie Lucas, Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran, Lil Louis, Doug Lazy, and many more.
Carl has a unique story as a DJ, from growing up in the 60s and being heavily influenced by his Barbadian father’s modest record collection. He eventually took ownership of it and further established a collection of his own, built upon the pillar of his father’s musical legacy incorporating Rhythm & Blues, Country & Western, Reggae, Soca and Jazz.
Carl continues:
“Every single one of these records are not promos; I literally went to the record store and stood there and went through the music… this collection is the best of the best.”
Mark Vessey has previously created photographic works that showcase collections of dance music subgenres including House, Funk ‘n’ Soul, as well as collections inspired by Bowie and Kate Moss.
‘Carl’ is a photographic print from a limited edition of 50 and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by both Mark Vessey and Carl Cox. You can visit Mark Vessey’s website here to check availability.
The exhibition will be launched with a private view event at Enter Gallery on Bond Street in Brighton on Saturday, 20th July. Editions include:
- 80cm x 80cm C-type Photograph
- 95cm x 95cm C-type Photograph
- 110cm x 110cm C-type Photograph
- 150cm x 150cm Original Photograph (on display at the launch)
