Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 14, 2024 2:34 am GMT
In a world saturated with celebrity culture, Jonathan Becker’s extensive photographic work offers a refreshing glimpse into a bygone era of glamour and drama. Over five decades, Becker has transported viewers into the lives of the rich and famous through his lens, capturing candid moments that tell powerful stories. His new book, Lost Time, collects over 200 of these extraordinary photographs, revealing the personality and intrigue of some of the most iconic figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
A Glimpse Into the Past
Becker’s photographs exhibit an era when fame and style had a different essence. Through his lens, we see celebrities like Madonna laughing under soft golden lights, Robert Mapplethorpe captured amidst the looming presence of AIDS, and intimate moments shared by dynamic personalities like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her literary contemporaries.
- Notable subjects include:
– Madonna at a party in 1990
– Fran Lebowitz at a Vanity Fair Oscars party in 2000
– David Bowie and a glimpse of his subtle displeasure at the Tribeca Film Festival
Mark Holborn, the book’s editor, described Becker’s subjects as “figures from a vanished world,” encapsulating the charm and grace once synonymous with high society events. Becker’s extraordinary ability to extract character is what has made him a valued chronicler of his time.
Candid Moments and Unforgettable Encounters
One anecdote from Becker’s experiences stands out during a photoshoot alongside the late André Leon Talley, the former creative director of Vogue. Capturing a “jewelry lady and her daughter on a pony” was not Becker’s idea of excitement, and Talley was not shy about expressing his disappointment. “He was twice my size,” Becker recalled, explaining how Talley would slap him playfully, urging him to capture the moment.
Despite his low profile, Becker has crossed paths with history-makers. He has photographed celebrities, artists, and even political figures, navigating a diverse landscape that includes everyone from Harvey Weinstein to the Trumps.
Reflections on Famous Figures
Becker’s opinions on his subjects offer insight into his personal experiences as a photographer. For instance, he candidly expressed his mixed feelings about various iconic figures:
- Tom Cruise: “He was annoyed with Nicole that night,” he reflects, recalling a moment during an Oscars party where Cruise’s disapproval shimmered through his attentive gaze on Kidman.
- Melania Trump: Becker described her as “quiet” with “a bit of a sense of humor,” unlike Donald Trump, whose “narcissistic charm” Becker finds intriguing yet perplexing.
- Aung San Suu Kyi: “I had a funny feeling about her,” he remarked, showcasing his reluctance to sugarcoat opinions even when it comes to prominent personalities.
The Loss of a Glamorous Era
As Becker looks back through his work, he sees “lost time,” highlighting a shift in cultural values. In his photo of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, he states she appears “beguiled” by writer Bernard Malamud. “Intellectuals had more status than movie stars or socialites,” he explains, contrasting the celebrity culture of today with that of his early career.
The photographer laments that today’s society has shifted so dramatically that figures like the Kardashians would have once been “laughed off the planet.” He reminisces about the “greatest city in the world” he once knew, embodied in the songs of Frank Sinatra, noting a profound sense of loss in the changing landscape of fame.
The Connection to History
Becker’s career began under the mentorship of the legendary photographer Brassaï in the 1970s in Paris. Their bond, built upon artistic inspiration, flourished as Becker moved back to New York, where he captured a spectrum of personalities in some of the city’s most exclusive venues.
Lost Time not only serves as a reflection of Becker’s art but also as a testament to the characters that shaped a significant period in modern history. Becker himself articulates the necessity of capturing these fleeting interactions. “My job isn’t to make people beautiful,” he said. “What I like to do is to extract character and let them do their own theatre.”
Conclusion
Jonathan Becker’s book, *Lost Time*, is more than just a bunch of pictures; it’s a story that connects the old days of fame with today’s celebrity culture. Each photo makes us stop and think about how colorful life used to be. Through his camera, Becker shows us not just the famous people from the past, but also how our ideas about fame have changed over time. If you want to learn more about modern history through interesting stories and beautiful images, Becker’s book is a great choice to have.
