In the world of rock music, Andy Summers is a legend. As the guitarist of the iconic band The Police, he is behind some of the most unforgettable songs in history. But Summers is not just a talented musician; he’s also a skilled photographer with a unique artistic vision. The prestigious Leica Gallery has an upcoming exhibition of his work, “Harmonics of the Night / A Series of Glances,” running from 26th March to 30th April 2023 in London.
Andy Summers’ passion for photography began in September 1979 when The Police were experiencing their first wave of success in the USA. Looking for a way to escape the boredom of hotel rooms, he picked up a camera and began to document the world around him. Summers found that music and photography are intrinsically linked, with harmony, line, shape, volume, quietness, and dynamics serving as a bridge between the two mediums.
“Sitting in a mid-town hotel room in New York, watching American television and running my hand up and down the neck of a battered Telecaster, it came to me that I should get a real camera.” – Andy Summers
His photographs often capture the urban surrealism of cityscapes, from the bustling streets of American and Japanese metropolises to the bizarre and surreal moments in South American cities. With a keen eye for the “special strangeness” that arises when we question the familiar, Summers has developed a remarkable body of work that reflects his unique vision.
With influence from the legendary Ralph Gibson, Summers discovered the Leica M4-2 camera and fell in love with the process of photography all over again. He found that the Leica encouraged a more meditative, thoughtful approach to picture-taking, allowing him to step onto the “true path” of photography. As his collection of cameras grew, so did his commitment to the art form.
The Leica Gallery London exhibition will showcase 25 photographs from Andy Summers’ extensive career as a photographer. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase these stunning images, as well as two exclusive publications: “Harmonics of the Night,” a limited edition concertina-style memento of the exhibition, and “A Series of Glances,” a coffee table book produced by TeNeues.
Leica Gallery London
Andy Summers: Harmonics of the Night / A Series of Glances
From 26 March to 30 April 2023
Ian Cole, Editor-in-Chief
