Organised by Somerset House
This summer, Somerset House presents No Comply, a free exhibition exploring the phenomena of skateboarding and the impact of its culture and communities on the UK over the past 45 years.
Through the work of leading photographers, designers and filmmakers, No Comply celebrates the country’s vibrant and diverse skateboarding scene, documenting the transformative influence the subculture has played in shaping people, cities and culture in the UK, and beyond.
Up and down the country skateboarding is thriving, and during lockdown has experienced the biggest increase in uptake since 2000, with over 750,000 skaters and 1,500 active skateparks currently operating across the UK. We’ll soon witness its debut at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, yet despite its prevalence, the story of skateboarding’s longstanding influence has remained under the radar.
Bringing together film, sound, art, fashion, design, photography and archive material, No Comply unpacks the dynamic story of skateboarding in the UK, through three enduring themes that define the subculture’s ethos: the city as playground, skateboarding communities and DIY culture.
Finally, an exhibition that celebrates the beautiful, multifaceted and diverse community that is skateboarding today.
– Helena Long, British skateboarder and Consultant Curator