The latest exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA), This Is Jungle, celebrates 30 years of Bristol’s influential Jungle and Drum ’n’ Bass culture. This immersive showcase traces the genre’s development from the city’s underground music movement of the late 1980s, featuring a rich collection of record artwork, event flyers, photographs, rare artefacts and memorabilia that honour the artists and collectives who helped shape its distinctive sound.
Developed by Kirk Thompson (DJ Krust), Flynn Ites (Flynnites) and Gary Thompson, co-author of The Art and Sound of the Bristol Underground, the exhibition shines a spotlight on trailblazing names such as Full Cycle Records, Independent Dealers, More Rockers and the Ruff Neck Ting Crew.
Visitors can also take part in a special Listening Lab session on 13 June from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, hosted by Krust and Flynnites alongside guest speakers DJ Dazee and Dr Meaker. The discussion will delve into the records, dubplates and influential tracks that have defined their musical journeys, offering unique insight into Bristol’s vibrant bass music heritage.
Open from 19 May to 28 June at the RWA on Queens Road, This Is Jungle is free to attend, with donations welcomed. Expect a powerful exploration of 30 years of rhythms, breakbeats and underground culture that helped place Bristol firmly on the global music map.
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