The Rock ‘n’ Roll Imagery of Steve Joester at The White Room Gallery

Award-winning photographer and mixed-media artist Steve Joester will showcase his latest exhibition, “Stripped: Music That Changed the World,” at The White Room Gallery in East Hampton. This immersive collection of his work will be on view from April 23 to May 11, with an opening reception on Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“I’ve had an amazing career, and I’m grateful that so many people have had the chance to see my work and enjoy it,” said Joester. “Photography was the gateway to my career as an artist and my evolution from multimedia to abstract works.”

Rock ’n’ roll became a powerful form of self-expression in the 1970s, with its stars challenging societal norms and forging an electric connection with audiences. The live performance amplified this rebellion, creating moments of energy and emotion that could never be recreated. Joester built his reputation capturing these defining moments, preserving rock’s raw spirit in a way that transports viewers back in time.

A British-born photographer and mixed-media artist, Joester rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a leading rock-and-roll photographer. His work, known for its raw energy and emotional depth, has immortalized some of the most legendary musicians in history, including Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, Queen, AC/DC, Sting, Marvin Gaye, and Pink Floyd. His award-winning images appear on album covers, posters, and in top publications worldwide.

As Joester’s artistic vision evolved, he began transforming his legendary photography into immersive mixed-media canvases, using unconventional materials to ignite the magic of live music in a new form. Interest in his work has endured for decades, and his pieces have been shown in exhibitions and are in private collections across the U.S. and Europe. Joester’s latest creations mark a return to his roots in pop art, offering a bold reinterpretation of his original prints.

Beyond music, Joester has turned his lens toward global cultural explorations, documenting the resilience and beauty of communities around the world. His images of Old Havana capture a world that no longer exists and reflect a place of extreme deprivation yet boundless human spirit. His body of work offers a rare glimpse into the depth of Cuban culture inviting audiences to experience the spirit of the people.

“I went to Cuba many times to see the island and never left Old Havana. To me, it was a magical place,” Joester recalls. “The spirit of the people was overwhelming. They had very little in a material sense, but their love of family and life was a powerful energy I was honored to capture on film.”

Adding to the exhibition's significance will be the presentation of short excerpts from a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Jeff Oppenheim on Joester’s art, life and career. The digital elements will play across a series of small screens and will delve into the stories behind the images, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Joester’s journey. Oppenheim and his crew will be on hand for the opening night to film the reception for the upcoming full-length documentary chronicling the artist’s extraordinary life and career.

Joester’s work is a visual time capsule that preserves the defiance of rock ’n’ roll, and the enduring spirit of cultures worldwide. Through “Stripped: Music That Changed the World, “he invites audiences to relive the unfiltered moments that shaped a generation and experience the power of photography as both art and history.​

The White Room Gallery is at 3 Railroad Avenue in East Hampton. For more information, visit thewhiteroom.gallery.