90s Dance Revolution Hits Tate
Photographer Tim Smith's unseen images of Bradford's British Asian 'daytimers' scene are featured in a major Tate exhibition, recognizing cultural shifts beyond London
A major exhibition at the Tate Britain art gallery is set to showcase the unseen images of Bradford's British Asian 'daytimers' dance scene, captured by photographer Tim Smith. The exhibition, titled 'The 90s: Art and Fashion', features over 100 works by nearly 70 artists, photographers, and designers, and is curated by former Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful.
The 'daytimers' dance scene, which emerged in Bradford, was a hidden world of creativity and rebellion that took place during the day, often in small clubs and venues. Smith, who lived in Bradford for over 40 years, was able to capture the essence of this scene through his photographs, which remained largely unseen for decades.
The inclusion of Smith's photographs in the exhibition is a recognition of the cultural shifts that took place in 1990s Britain beyond London. Smith arrived in Bradford in the mid-1980s, after studying photography in Newport, and was able to witness and document the 'daytimers' scene firsthand.
The exhibition, which opens on a Thursday, brings together a diverse range of works to examine a decade of creativity and rebellion. For Smith, the inclusion of his photos is a 'big shout-out for Bradford', and a recognition that the city was a hub of cultural activity during the 1990s.
## Why it matters The exhibition is significant not only because of the art and fashion on display, but also because it recognizes the cultural contributions of cities beyond London. The 'daytimers' scene, which was largely hidden from the public eye, is a testament to the creativity and diversity of 1990s Britain. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore this forgotten chapter of British cultural history, and to celebrate the artists, photographers, and designers who helped shape the decade.
The exhibition's curator, Edward Enninful, has brought together a wide range of works to create a comprehensive picture of 1990s Britain. The inclusion of Smith's photographs is a key part of this, and provides a unique insight into the 'daytimers' scene and its place in British cultural history.
