Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 14, 2024 4:38 am GMT
Jonathan Becker, a name that may not ring a bell, has spent the last 50 years capturing the essence of the world’s biggest stars. From intimate portraits of celebrities like Madonna and David Bowie to significant political figures, Becker’s photography offers a unique lens into a bygone era of high society. His new book, *Lost Time*, showcases an eclectic collection of over 200 images, reflecting a moment in history that many believe is lost.
In *Lost Time*, Becker chronicles an era when the glitz of Hollywood fame and the influence of political giants created a rich backdrop for celebrity culture. Famous faces grace the pages—Harvey Weinstein, Nicole Kidman, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis—each photograph pulling back the curtain on their private lives. “These are figures from a vanished world,” writes editor Mark Holborn, emphasizing the nostalgia permeating Becker’s work.
Capturing Celebrities
Throughout his career, Becker has photographed a variety of public figures, offering glimpses into their lives that are both candid and revealing. Here are some highlights from his collection:
-
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise: A striking photo from 2000 captures Kidman enjoying a cigarette at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, with Cruise looking on disapprovingly from the shadows. Becker muses that Cruise, known for his conservative demeanor, was likely annoyed with her carefree attitude that night.
-
Robert Mapplethorpe: In a poignant 1988 image, Becker depicts the legendary photographer sitting in profile during his retrospective at the Whitney Museum, just a year before his death. The photograph reflects the devastation of the AIDS epidemic, which had a profound impact on New York’s cultural scene.
-
Donald Trump: Becker’s lens has also captured the former president on multiple occasions. One image portrays Trump in his lavish Trump Tower office, showcasing a “narcissistic charm,” as Becker describes it, revealing the complex persona that has long drawn public attention.
Influences and Personal Connections
Becker’s journey into photography has been shaped by influential mentors and unique life experiences. His relationship with the legendary photographer Brassaï introduced him to the art of visual storytelling. Meeting Brassaï in 1974, Becker was inspired by his tales of loss and renewal in a post-war Paris filled with artistic giants. “It was the saving grace of my life,” he recalls of that formative year spent under Brassaï’s guidance.
Working as a cab driver in New York, Becker’s chance encounters with icons like Diana Vreeland further enriched his artistic perspective. “I wouldn’t have had a mothball’s chance in a public urinal,” he quips, reflecting on the belief that his father had in his ability to succeed as a photographer.
The Complex Characters
Becker does not shy away from sharing his candid opinions about the subjects he captures. From admiring personalities, like Melania Trump, whom he describes as having a “quiet sense of humor,” to more questionable figures like Hunter S. Thompson, Becker’s insights add depth to the photographs. “He was a freak,” Becker muses about Thompson, adding that, despite his wild persona, he was undoubtedly entertaining.
When it comes to Aung San Suu Kyi, Becker is less enthusiastic. His lack of admiration stems from an unsettling intuition about her character. “I had a funny feeling about her,” he admits, demonstrating his distinct balance of professionalism and personal sentiment within his work.
A Reflection on the Past
As Becker flips through the pages of *Lost Time*, a sense of nostalgia resonates deeply with him. “The more I look at the book, the more I realize this is a lost time,” he reflects. The vibrancy and energy of New York in the late 20th century, which he experienced firsthand, contrasts sharply with the current cultural landscape. “Intellectuals had more status than movie stars or socialites,” he notes, lamenting a shift toward a fame driven by reality television and social media.
His photographs serve not only as a tribute to those remarkable figures of the past but also as a reflection on the changing nature of celebrity culture. It prompts readers to reconsider what fame means today and to appreciate the artistry that once defined it.
The Future of Photography
Becker continues to engage with photography, maintaining a studio in New York while also finding solace in the quiet of his cabin on a Maine island. His enduring love for capturing characters rather than trends drives his artistry forward. “My job isn’t to make people beautiful necessarily, or to make them more palatable. What I like to do is to extract character,” he states unapologetically.
As he moves forward, Becker remains curious and open-minded, gathering inspiration from the people and experiences around him. His work not only showcases the charm of those in the limelight but also invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of fame and the artistry behind each captured moment.
In a world full of celebrities, Becker’s *Lost Time* is a nice change. It shows us how photography can share feelings and tell stories. This book invites us to look back at a glamorous past filled with real people and their experiences. It helps us see and appreciate the skill and creativity of the photographers who captured these moments.
