Join us at Printed Matter Chelsea for the launch of Nathaniel Matthews’ Hard Mod Magazine, a self-published tape-bound compilation of photocopies from assorted sources depicting original mod and skinhead style and culture from the 1960’s in the UK. Hard Mod Magazine brings to the forefront the style, motivations and multicultural influences of the original youth culture before it was co-opted and corrupted by later revivals.

The original binder and hand-collaged layout the book is photocopied from will be present at the launch, accompanied by Matthews’ painting Outside Of Bar Italia (2024), featured on the magazine’s cover, and a selection of ska and rocksteady music from the 1960’s.

Nathaniel Matthews is an artist from NYC, whose work is often led by research and reference. His practice is informed by a history in self-publishing and alternative cultures, and often re-contextualizes symbols within those cultures. Much of his work centers around themes of iconography and idolatry, image manipulation and re-appropriation, class, ritual, fantasy, parody, and peripheral recollection.