What's considered "Punk"?

The punk subculture includes a diverse and widely known array of ideologies, fashion, and other forms of expression, visual art, dance, literature, and film. Largely characterised by anti-establishment views, the promotion of individual freedom, and the DIY ethics, the culture originated from punk rock.

Key Characteristics

Music

- Punk Rock: Originating in the mid-1970s, punk rock is a genre characterized by its fast tempos, short song durations, simple and often three-chord song structures, and raw, energetic performances. Bands like the Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned are often cited as pioneers of punk rock.

- Subgenres: Over time, punk has branched into various subgenres, including hardcore punk, post-punk, pop-punk, ska-punk, and more. Each subgenre has its own unique characteristics and influences.

Fashion

- DIY Fashion: Punk fashion is often characterized by DIY elements, such as ripped clothing, safety pins, patches, and handmade accessories. The goal is to reject mainstream fashion and embrace a unique, often provocative style.

- Leather and Studs: Leather jackets, often adorned with studs and spikes, are iconic punk fashion items.

Attitude/Ideology

- Anti-Establishment: Punk is often associated with a rebellious and anti-establishment attitude. It challenges mainstream norms and rejects traditional authority structures.

- DIY Ethic: The "Do It Yourself" ethos is a fundamental aspect of punk culture. This involves self-producing music, creating zines and flyers, and organizing shows independently of major record labels or mainstream institutions.

- Individualism and Nonconformity: Punk encourages individual expression and rejects conformity. This is reflected in both personal style and artistic expression.

Subculture

- Local Scenes: Punk often thrives in local scenes, with bands, fans, and venues forming a close-knit community. Local scenes can have unique characteristics and styles.

- Inclusivity: While punk has a rebellious image, it also values inclusivity and a sense of belonging. The punk community can be diverse and welcoming.

Major contributors

Music artists

Sex Pistols

The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they became one of the most culturally influential acts in popular music. The band initiated the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspired many later punk, post-punk and alternative rock musicians, while their clothing and hairstyles were a significant influence on the early punk image.

The Clash

The Clash, British punk rock band that was second only to the Sex Pistols in influence and impact as a standard-bearer for the punk movement. Of all the original punk rock groups that grew out of the whole '77 explosion malarkey, The Clash is chiefly labeled by the mainstream music press as the smartest of the lot, pushing politics and eclecticism to the forefront of their music.

Visual artists

Jamie Reid

Perhaps one of the most iconic punk artists, Jamie Reid is best known for his work with the Sex Pistols. He designed the band's logo and created the artwork for their album "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols." Reid's work is characterized by its bold use of color, collage elements, and political messaging.

Raymond Pettibon

Raymond Pettibon is an artist and illustrator whose work became closely associated with the punk scene, particularly through his association with the band Black Flag. He created many of the band's iconic logos and album covers. His style often features dark, surreal, and sometimes violent imagery.