Modern Rocks Gallery in Austin, Texas, is thrilled to announce a new collection of prints from the legendary photographer Art Kane. Known for his groundbreaking work in music, fashion, and cultural photography, Kane’s images have left an indelible mark on the world of visual storytelling. This special collection showcases some of his most iconic and rare works, offering art and music lovers a chance to own a piece of photographic history.

Art Kane was more than just a photographer; he was a visionary who captured the essence of his subjects with a dynamic and often surreal perspective. His work in the 1960s and beyond redefined music photography, pushing boundaries with bold compositions, vibrant colors, and an unerring sense of narrative. From jazz legends to rock icons, Kane’s images became synonymous with the cultural revolutions of their time.

Highlights from the Collection

This new collection at Modern Rocks Gallery includes some of Kane’s most famous portraits, featuring legends such as The Rolling Stones, The Who and Bob Dylan. Among the highlights is the legendary “A Great Day in Harlem” photograph, which gathered 57 of the world’s greatest jazz musicians in a single frame—an image that remains one of the most celebrated group portraits in history. Other standout pieces capture the raw energy of the ’60s and ’70s music scene, reflecting Kane’s unparalleled ability to translate sound into striking visual form.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

These museum-quality prints, sourced directly from the Art Kane Archive, are available in limited editions, ensuring their exclusivity and value. Each print is expertly produced to honor Kane’s original vision, preserving the depth, color, and vibrancy that make his work so extraordinary. Collectors and fans will have a rare opportunity to acquire these timeless images, bringing a piece of rock and jazz history into their homes.

Taken in his Carnegie Hall studio, before Art Kane took the band up to the Carl Schurz Memorial in Morningside Park, NYC, to shoot the now iconic shots of the band sleeping under the union jack flag.

View fullsize

"The Who. They were great, I loved these guys. For me they were like cute little ruffians. They made me think of Dickens, of Oliver Twist, Fagins gang." – Art Kane

Knowing that John Entwistle and Pete Townshend wore jackets made from flags, Kane decided to wrap them in a Union Jack: actually two, sewn together for the session. Initially they worked in his Carnegie Hall studio shooting on a seamless white background.

Art Kane was quite simply a brilliant visionary whose legacy and legend live on today, and whose work remains unmatched. Kane made the legendary Harlem 1958 Jazz portrait, and his music archives include Louis Armstrong, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Country Joe and the Fish, Frank Zappa, Cream, Eric Clapton, Sonny and Cher, Janis Joplin, and Aretha Franklin. He was the photographers’ photographer, an inspirational practitioner whose approach to portraiture is best summed up when he said “Performance shots are a waste of time, they look like everyone else’s. If you want to shoot a performer, then grab them, own them, you have to own people, then twist them into what you want to say about them.” Kane died in 1995, but his legacy lives on through his amazing work. His son Jonathan curates his archive and releases small limited editions of these beautiful photographs. Each one is fully authenticated by Jonathan Kane on behalf of the Art Kane estate.