Behind The Gallery & Curtis Duffy Present Alt-Rock Photo Exhibit at Afters (Chicago, Aug 14–20) Includes Nirvana, NIN, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins + more

Behind The Gallery PresentsAlternative Nation: A Retrospective
A Groundbreaking Multi-Photographer Exhibition Capturing the Grit, Glory, and Spirit of a Generation Featuring Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Aphex Twin, and More
Debuts in Chicago at After, Curtis Duffy’s Cocktail Bar
 Exhibition Hours:Open to Public: Friday August 15, 2025 | 6:30 - 10:00 pm Saturday August 16 - Wednesday August 20 | 4:00 - 10:00 PM Private Viewing:  RSVP RequiredFriday August 15 | 5:00–6:30 PMPlease confirm attendance for Private Viewing by replying directly to SiouxZ@MagnumPR.net for the VIP list Artist Talk & Q&A:Saturday August 15 | 5:00 PM  Curtis Duffy will host a conversation with Jonathan Rach and Joseph Cultice  Address:After1338 W Fulton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607
 
For more information Visit: www.behindthegallery.com.au Show Information:  https://www.behindthegallery.com.au/pages/alt-nationFacebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/share/15ezZ6bes8/
  
Behind The Gallery proudly presents its latest exhibition, Alternative Nation: A Retrospective—a raw, unfiltered look at the rise of alternative music and culture from the 1990s through the early 2000s—debuting in Chicago next month. Hosted by After, Michelin-Starred Chef Curtis Duffy’s cocktail bar, the exhibit features never-before-seen and classic images of Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Meat Puppets, and more. This unprecedented show brings together the iconic work of five visionary photographers—Joseph Cultice, Jonathan Rach, Chris Cuffaro, Kevin Westenberg, and Scarlet Page—whose lenses helped define the way we see an era. Together, their work documents the seismic shift when grunge, industrial, and alt-rock exploded from the fringes and forever changed not just the sound, but the image, of music.  “This show isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a time capsule of a moment when music felt dangerous, emotional, and deeply human,” says Behind The Gallery founder and curator Stephen Dallimore. “Each photographer was there, trusted by the bands, and that connection comes through in every frame. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s long overdue.” These genres gave voice to a generation navigating emotional extremes, alienation, and identity. Grunge acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam pushed back against glossy mainstream culture with raw, unfiltered vulnerability, while industrial acts like Nine Inch Nails created darker, confrontational spaces—fusing rock and electronics and embracing taboo themes that drew subcultures into the spotlight. These photographs reflect more than performance; they capture the unvarnished authenticity and creative rebellion of artists navigating a time when music was not only heard but felt—deeply, viscerally, and defiantly. “We’re excited to host Behind the Gallery in Chicago,” said Curtis Duffy. “They’ve put together a showcase of incredible photographers I happen to love, and musicians I also happen to love. It’s an amazing combination. I think Chicago’s art and music fans are really going to enjoy everything they bring to After.” Alternative Nation: A Retrospective is the first in a planned series of shows that will expand to other cities featuring additional photographers and evolving narratives. “The curation of the images is designed to showcase a mix of live performances, iconic editorial shots, and candid moments—many of which have never been seen before. These are not just portraits; they are windows into an era—rich with emotion, identity, and cultural shift,” Dallimore adds. “Many of these artists are now considered legacy acts, but this exhibition isn’t just for longtime fans—it’s also for a new generation that craves authenticity. In a digital age where connection can feel shallow, there’s something powerful about experiencing these raw, analog images. It was a time when music felt fresh, exciting, and dangerous—an era that still carried a sense of mystery, even at its most exposed.” Opening night will include special appearances by Jonathan Rach and Joseph Cultice, both who return on Saturday for an artist talk and Q&A with host Curtis Duffy at 5 PM. Photographer show Inclusions by Artist:
    •    Chris Cuffaro: Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden
    •    Joseph Cultice: Aphex Twin, Björk, Danzig, Marilyn Manson, Meat Puppets, Smashing Pumpkins
    •    Jonathan Rach: Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Melvins
    •    Kevin Westenberg: Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, White Stripes
    •    Scarlet Page: Björk, Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Foo Fighters, Marilyn Manson, NIN, Placebo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins 
    About Behind The Gallery
Behind The Gallery specializes in fine art music photography with a modern edge. Known for innovative pop-up experiences that blend storytelling, sound, and visual history, their exhibitions include Jonathan Rach’s Nine Inch Nails: The Downward Spiral, Cody Smyth’s The Strokes, Charles Moriarty’s Amy Winehouse, and more. About After
After is a come-as-you-are cocktail bar inspired by the knowledge and experiences of Michelin-Starred Chef Curtis Duffy. Featuring cocktails and small bites, After evolves with the seasons, designed to be elevating – delivering the unexpected while showcasing the best of ingredients and technique. Learn more at after-chicago.com.