Just opened Cramer St Gallery presents Unfiltered, a solo exhibition of black-and-white photography by British photographer Alan Chapman.
Curated by Lee Sharrock, the show gathers a rare selection of images drawn from more than three decades of Chapman’s career, documenting some of the most recognisable figures in global culture.
Beginning his career in the 1970s, Chapman quickly earned a reputation as the “polite paparazzo.” At a time when celebrity photography often relied on intrusion and sensationalism, Chapman pursued a different approach — one rooted in instinct, respect and access. Rather than chasing scandal, he focused on capturing the energy and personality of his subjects.
The exhibition features striking portraits of figures across music, film, fashion and art, including Freddie Mercury, Amy Winehouse, Kate Moss, Princess Diana, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Jack Nicholson, Sophia Loren, Courtney Love, Liam Gallagher, Boy George, Robbie Williams and Lady Gaga.
Shot in a pre-Instagram era — before curated feeds and tightly managed public images — Chapman’s photographs offer an unguarded glimpse of celebrity culture. Many were taken behind the velvet rope at late-night parties, premieres, and art-world events in London and Los Angeles, where his unobtrusive presence allowed moments of spontaneity and intimacy to unfold.
For curator Lee Sharrock, Chapman’s archive captures a moment in cultural history.
“Alan Chapman has a rare ability to distil rock ’n’ roll spirit and personality into a single frame,”
she says.
“His iconic images offer a powerful counterpoint to today’s hyper-edited, algorithm-driven imagery.”
Alongside the exhibition, Chapman will host a meet-and-greet and signing for his book FRAME this Sunday 8th March from 12PM–4PM. The publication gathers many of his favourite photographs taken over thirty years at legendary nightlife venues in London and Los Angeles. The foreword to FRAME is written by US actor Adrian Grenier (Entourage, The Devil Wears Prada), who says: “I have my own copy and it sits well with my entire art collection. I love it.”
With several of the figures pictured now gone, the photographs resonate as both cultural record and personal archive — reminders of a time when fame felt immediate, fleeting and unpredictably human.
Alan Chapman: Unfiltered, 5th – 8th March, Cramer St Gallery
Curated by Lee Sharrock, Produced by CMJZ ARTS, Artistic Direction by Mariya Helena Boyko
