PETERSON PHOTOS POP AT THE CROC

Last night, I made a quick stop into Seattle for the express purpose of attending the opening reception of photographer Charles Peterson's brand-new installation at The Crocodile. Peterson is best-known for his work that captured grunge-rock-era giants like Nirvana, and I was also fortunate to see him speak at the EMP's "Taking Aim" exhibit several months ago. Peterson's innate sense of what makes an iconic moment is sharp; he captures incredible action in a gritty, in-your-face way like no other. From the Croc's site:

Northwest native Charles Peterson (b. 1964) is best known for his documentation of the music phenomenon known as "grunge," culminating in the critically acclaimed monograph "Touch Me I'm Sick" (powerHouse, 2003). Peterson's photographs have graced hundreds of record covers, and appeared in publications worldwide including the Village Voice, NME, The New York Times, Mojo, People, Rolling Stone, Spin, Entertainment Weekly, Fast Co, The Independent, Guitar World, and Newsweek. He has two previous monographs, "Screaming Life" (Harper Collins, 1995) and "Pearl Jam: Place/Date" (with Lance Mercer, Rizzoli/Vitalogy, 1997). In the spring of 2005 he had his first major exhibition at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk Virginia, and his photographs are featured in the permanent collection of Seattle's Experience Music Project (EMP). He is also with Getty Images and Retna Ltd. Peterson's book of breakdancing photos, "Cypher," was published in 2008 by powerHouse, and his work was recently featured in Seattle Art Museum's Kurt Cobain exhibit. "Come Out, Come Out Tonight" is Peterson's first permanent installation, and features images of notable Seattle musicians, miscreants, and raconteurs. For more information on his work, which includes images shot all over the world, please see www.charlespeterson.net.
The place was hoppin' with lots of folks chowin' down slices of 'za and hoisting drinks while Peterson quietly talked with well-wishers near a booth in the back.














































It was especially nice to find out that this photo I took is of Peterson and his former Bothell High School teacher Paul Dahlquist, who remains active in photography today (site link there is NSFW, kiddies). Peterson had an excellent mentor in him.








































You've got to see these huuuge, gorgeous prints in person, so do so!

The Crocodile is at 2200 2nd Avenue in Seattle.