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National Nordic Museum Photo Exhibit Is a Must-See for Pop Culture and History Buffs

A soon-to-close exhibit showcases the powerful lens of Swedish photographer Hasse Persson

By Gavin Borchert July 31, 2019

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This article originally appeared in the August 2019 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article appears in print in the August 2019 issue. Click here to subscribe.

Just how are subjects as wildly disparate as Richard Nixon and Studio 54 connected? In the National Nordic Museum’s exhibit Studio 54 and Beyond, you’ll find the common denominator to be Swedish photojournalist Hasse Persson, who spent many a night at the nightclub, chronicling the hedonistic exploits of its famous patrons (such as Andy Warhol, Grace Jones, Mick Jagger, Deborah Harry and many others). Figures such as Nixon (and other presidents such as Ronald Reagan) comprise the “beyond” portion, part of the photographer’s portfolio that documented American political life. Examine his photos and reflect on a time when celebrity and politics were at opposite ends of the cultural spectrum.

Through 8/25. Times and prices vary. National Nordic Museum, Ballard, 2655 NW Market St.; 206.789.5707; nordicmuseum.org

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