A punker’s paint brush

Wot! No Bike? Paul Simonon Exhibition

Paul Simonon’s Wot! No Bike? is a new collection from the punk rock architect now showing at the ICA.

Simonon is most famously known as the bassist for the Clash. That’s Paul on the cover of London Calling putting a smack down on his bass. He met bandmate Mick Jones at Art School where the two launched the idea of the Clash. At the outset, Paul’s design skills were more developed than his bass playing and he took lead of the band’s tattered visual image. Punk rock was (is?) a DIY art form and the Clash did it all. Lead by Simonon they created their own style painting slogans on their clothes. Their look became a template for many puck bands that were to follow. What? Did you think the safety pin just like happened?

Paul’s latest collection is a mixture of self-portrait and still life. Everyday items from the his life told through a style that’s inspired by 20th century realism, which often told the story of the working class. Kinda like London’s Burning with a paint brush.

Wot! No Bike? Is showing at the ICA now until February 6, 2015.

You can find prints and a limited edition hardcover of the work here.