THE WHO EXHiBiTiON
A cutting-edge, mixed reality exhibition featuring the world’s first Immersive Single®. A prototype in and of itself, the exhibition experience was enhanced by the use of next-generation XR technology offering a truly unique opportunity for fans to engage more deeply and intimately with the band than ever before.
The Who Exhibition told the story of the transformative years between 1969 (the last time The Who played Hastings) and 1971, during which time the band were catapulted from generation-defining ‘Mod Gods’ to international rock icons, who would go onto sell over 100 million records worldwide.
Bee was engaged to commission a series of new works from leading contemporary artists in response to the iconography of The Who and their music – including a remastered print edition of the original Tommy album cover by Mike McInnerney.
Alongside McInnerney’s Tommy, editions included a light sculpture by Frankie Boyle:
“This sculpture captures the energy in the Who’s seminal song, Who Are You? By bringing life to the static notes through the use of light and shadows in the rhythms and temperatures which are emblematic of the movement of fire. In this collaboration with Mad Gallery, I have taken inspiration from the song’s energy and our ancestral connection to fire which evokes an innate sense of curiosity and intrigue.”
Frankie Boyle, 2022.
The artwork we commissioned from street artist My Dog Sighs to celebrate the legacy of Quadrophenia was later given a wall to be translated into a mural. People were travelling the full length of the country in order to watch the live painting, meet the artist and purchase the printed edition.
"The Who have been the soundtrack to my life and Quadrophenia kick started a lifelong love affair with the Mod and scooter scene (as it did for so many), owning and riding scooters (with the ubiquitous parka with the mod target). The opportunity to combine my artistic practise with my Who love affair is an honour I thought I’d never get to combine!”
My Dog Sighs, 2022.
