Peter Dean Rickard’s Pictures Are Worth A Thousand Euros

Friday Morning Market, Print on Aluminium, 9X5 inches, editions of 500, 2007

Jamaica based photographer, picture taker of BANKSY, and “media terrorist” Peter Dean Rickards recently had his first solo show in Bern, Switzerland of all places. The shutterbug and keeper of the Afflicted Yard, exhibited a large body of limited edition prints on aluminum, including sizzling images of sexy models, guns, Jamaican lifestyle, and Dancehall superstars. We asked Peter to give us a quick rundown of some Reggae artists that he’s shot (with a camera):

Sizzla: An interesting character for sure. When I shot one of his his album coves a few years ago he made me chase his Goddamned Mercedes coupe through Kingston's gnarled morning traffic en route to the location. When people see him coming they get out ofthe way. I had to follow him like some sort of weird Dancehall ambulance chaser (he doesn't stay in one place too long so you have to take advantage of windows). I'm lucky nobody tried to shoot out my tires.

Buju Banton: Without a doubt one of the most talented musicians Jamaica has ever produced. But like all talented people he's a bit weird'used to wear those Jamaican colored Pumas and let Banksy draw fuckery on his studio wall.

Spragga Benz: a personal friend of mine and undeniably THE only DJ who doesn't put up with shit from anybody. Nobody tells Spragga what to do. There's a great story about Spragga going missing before one of his shows in New York City. People were searching for him everywhere but he couldn’t be located. People were starting to freak out and then someone looked through a glass door into the hotel auditorium and saw him arm in arm with a couple of old polish ladies dressed up in traditional Polka outfits. He was dancing with them.

Ninjaman: Undeniably the craziest and most consistently entertaining DJ in the history of Dancehall. He's always got this look in his eye like someone else is driving but make no mistake, Desmond Ballentine is a master of media manipulation and hype, and that's why Jamaica loves him. I personally think his real calling will be in film but for now, stories of his latest car crash or arrest or incitement to riot will have to suffice.

Sean Paul: A good and humble person who deserves a lot of the credit he has been given since his great success. I remember when I had a job was webcasting Dancehall in Kingston and artists would often drop by. Sean came on one of those webcasts and got booed off by the live listening audience. 6 months later Beyonce was rolling around half naked to his voice. I guess he showed them.

Bounty Killer: A living legend and a generous person, especially as it relates to giving others a try. Killer remains one of the most respected artists on the street in Kingston and his talent is undeniable if sometimes misunderstood by the uninformed.

Josey Wales: Anyone that can get shot and then turn the experience into a hit song that sounds more like a track from an old western ( It was a Coward who shot the Colonel in his Back) than reggae or dancehall is great. Josey Wales–the ORiGINAL badman artist.

King Yellowman: Undisputed KING of the Dancehall.