Courtesy of the MoPA

In one frame, Bob Dylan kicks an old tire down a deserted New York City street. In another, Joni Mitchell sits silently at a piano, her eyes closed as she listens to music being played off in the distance. These stark images are just two of the many on display at “Taking Aim,” the newest show at San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts.

“I wanted to show how photographers and their work helped shape the image of rock “n’ roll,” the show’s curator, Graham Nash, in MoPA’s promotional material said. Nash, who is one-third of the famous trio Crosby, Stills and Nash, has been taking photographs of his bandmates and friends for more than 40 years. He was approached to put together the show by the Experience Music Project, based out of Seattle.

The collection of more than 50 works is a striking showcase of mostly candid shots of world-famous musicians, rehearsing in grungy hotel rooms or lounging in airport snack bars. Most shots are completely candid and manage to capture the mystic quality of these music icons who are worshipped by millions of fans worldwide.

Other shots include lesser-known musicians from countercultural bands who rebelled against traditional mainstream music, such as Black Flag and The Clash.

“A lot of attitude in rock “n’ roll is against the status quo,” Nash said. “It’s against people that try to confine people and try to control them.” Indeed, some of the work gives the audience a view of the self-destructive lifestyles of some of these legends, such as Janis Joplin cradling a bottle of Southern Comfort or Elvis Presley sitting down to a greasy breakfast.

The predominantly black and white shots are all taken before the age of digital media, so many have the classic, grainy appearance of film photography that lends itself to the overall atmosphere of the photographs. Only a few color photos make an appearance, such as a shot of the rapper Notorious B.I.G., who makes a cameo in glossy blue and purple robes.

The show also features many photographs that define the popular image of a particular rock star, such as Johnny Cash playing at Folsom Prison, gritting his teeth and flipping the bird to the cameraman. Another picture depicts Bob Marley sitting against a wall in mid-exhale, cradling a spliff between his slim fingers.

“Taking Aim” is a must-see show hanging at the Museum of Photographic Arts until Sept. 26. San Diego MoPA is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit MoPA’s website at mopa.org.