PUNK YEARS, 1976-79

Every time Bettie Ringma and I headed north on Bowery towards the East Village, we passed a grungy bar that clearly had the feel of a happening scene. Curiosity pulled us into CBGB in 1976, and for the next three years the club was our regular haunt. More than just a music revolution, punk also affected the visual arts, fashion and design. We were an art group, first billed as Miller & Ringma and then as Miller Ringma & Hoppe when Curt joined our collaboration. In 1978 we organized the world’s first "Punk Art" exhibition in Washington DC.

Posts in 1976-79

Paparazzi Self-Portraits

Paparazzi Self-Portraits by Miller & Ringma, 1975 - 1979. Two photographers step into the historical moment by taking pictures of themselves with celebrities and others of interest.

Punk Years, 1976-79Marc H. MillerMay 21, 2018Chapter 3, Paparazzi Self-Portraits

Bettie Visits CBGB

Photographs taken at CGBG from 1976-1979 showing Bettie with rock groups and personalities including the Ramones, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Nancy Spungeon, and Richard Hell.

Punk Years, 1976-79Marc H. MillerMay 20, 2018Chapter 3, Bettie Visits CBGB

Bettie and The Ramones: Oil on Canvas

The Story of the painting Bettie & The Ramones autographed by the Ramones at CBGB, April 1978.

Punk Years, 1976-79Marc H. MillerMay 15, 2018Chapter 3, Bettie & The Ramones Oil on Canvas, Bettie & The Ramones

Marc & Sen. George McGovern

Senator George McGovern signs an unusual portrait painting in his office in Washington DC, October 13, 1978. Part of the Paparazzi Self-Portrait series by Miller Ringma & Hoppe.

Punk Years, 1976-79Marc H. MillerMay 10, 2018Chapter 3, Marc & Sen. McGovern Acrylic on Canvas, Marc Miller & Senator McGovern, Senator McGovern

Curt & Al Goldstein: Oil on Canvas

Screw magazine publisher Al Goldstein signs an unusual portrait painting in a live public performance at the Robert Fridus Gallery in Soho, January 12, 1979.

Punk Years, 1976-79Marc H. MillerMay 5, 2018Chapter 3, Curt & Al Goldstein Oil on Canvas, Curt & Al Goldstein, A Miller Ringma Hoppe Collaboration

Bettie & Bella Abzug: Oil on Canvas

Photographs and video capture the outspoken Congresswoman Bella Abzug in 1979 critiquing a portrait painting of her that is part of the Paparazzi Self-Portrait series by Miller Ringma & Hoppe.

Punk Years, 1976-79Marc H. MillerMay 1, 2018Chapter 3, Bettie Meets Congresswoman Bella Abzug, Congresswoman Bella Abzug, Bettie Ringma, Bettie & Bella Abzug Oil on Canvas