By Rachel Orenstein MSc Social and Cultural Anthropology
My Comic explores the contemporary nature of ‘punk’ in Camden Market. Starting with my own connection to the area, the Comic ultimately focuses on the ‘punk philiosophy’ of Zombie Punk and other frequent inhabitants of the Lock. Zombie Punk is a notorious local personality who sits, most days, on Camden Lock Bridge with the sign “Help a Punk to Get Drunk”. I was intrigued by his visual use of Anarchism, particularly after seeing many tourists pay him to spray the Anarchist Symbol on their newly purchased Camden leather jackets. I even saw a whole family proudly branded with his ad-hoc art. This Comic recounts my ethnographic interrogation of Zombie Punks actions as a form of social protest.
The visual was a vital tool in my research process. Drawing enabled me to gain instant rapport with Zombie Punk, bypassing tourists who wanted a snapshot of his striking appearance. After introducing myself, I immediately handed him a portrait I had drawn and asked if I could make a comic about him. He was touched by my effort and immediately introduced me to his friends as an artist. I also shared my final product with him, allowing him to use it as part of his branding on social media. To my delight, he reposted it with Frank Sinatra’s vocals, “I did it my way!”. The visual can be reproduced in a much more purposeful way by real people than a traditional essay ever could.
I could’ve incorporated so much more of my conversations with not just Zombie Punk, but other eccentric inhabitants of Camden Market. However, this short comic well encapsulates my experiences.
Interestingly, after my research I also learnt a bit more about Zombie Punk as a controversial figure online. As someone who is not frequently on TikTok, I was not aware of the allegations against him. However, I would suggest that my research also highlights the internet’s ability to manipulate truth. From my perspective, Zombie Punk showed a lot of care towards those around Camden Market who needed it and I’m thankful I got to spend time with him and his friends on the bridge (see attached picture taken by me).
Anthropolitan 