Southampton Arts Center Announces New Exhibition: A Moment in Time: Iconic Images by Harry Benson
(Southampton, New York… April 2023) Southampton Arts Center [SAC – southamptonartscenter.org] is pleased to announce the second exhibition of its 10th anniversary year, which will open on Saturday, May 6. A MOMENT IN TIME: ICONIC IMAGES BY HARRY BENSON, curated by Sally Martin Katz, is a presentation of the photographer’s impressive collection of images documenting civil rights figures, politicians, musicians, celebrities, and athletes. Benson’s iconic work is an embodiment of some of the most significant moments captured in the 20th and 21st centuries. Learn more at southamptonartscenter.org/harry-benson.
“Harry Benson has captured some of the most iconic moments in history in a way that tells a compelling story,” shares SAC executive director Christina Mossaides Strassfield. “The exhibition is about so much more than photography — it’s about the man behind the camera, his experiences with some of the most notable people, places, and events in a generation. Harry Benson is a true documentarian, and we’re honored to present his story and his work.”
An award-winning Scottish photojournalist, Benson began his career at the weekly newspaper Hamilton Advertiser before moving to the Daily Sketch after his infamous and exclusive interviews in prison with Scottish mass murderer Peter Manual. In 1964, he traveled to the United States with the Beatles, and never looked back. He was under contract with LIFE magazine for 30 years, and has photographed for other major magazines including TIME, Vanity Fair, Newsweek, French Vogue, Quest, Paris Match, Forbes, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, People, and The London Sunday Times Magazine.
“I am looking forward to having my photographs at the esteemed Southampton Arts Center,” shares Benson. “It is a challenge to choose photographs from my 75-year career, which hopefully will surprise, delight, and engage the viewer, and lead to animated discussions of memorable times past. It is a challenge I accept.”
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to curate an exhibition of a photographer whose work I have long admired and who is a legendary figure within the photography world,” shares Katz. “Benson’s work is notable for his ability to be at the right place at the right time and to create images that capture the ethos of their era. His photographs provide insight into the watershed events of his lifetime and into the characters of the people who have shaped our culture and our history.”
Complementing the exhibition will be special programs, including:
Exhibition Opening Reception – Friday, May 26 @ 6 PM
Film: 'Harry Benson: Shoot First' – Friday, July 7 @ 6 PM
All programs will include a book signing. The exhibition is presented by Peter and Jamee Gregory, with participating sponsor Douglas Elliman Real Estate and media support from Hamptons Magazine. For more information and events, visit southamptonartscenter.org/harry-benson.
General Operating Support is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. A MOMENT IN TIME: ICONIC IMAGES BY HARRY BENSON presenting sponsors are Peter and Jamee Gregory with participating sponsor Douglas Elliman Real Estate and media partner Hamptons Magazine. FILM @ SAC is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens with media support from The Southampton Press. Financial Literacy Partner: J.P. Morgan Private Bank. General operating support is provided by Bank of America.
ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER
Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts. We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines – welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond. SAC is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information about Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968, visit southamptonartscenter.org or call 631.283.0967. Follow SAC on Facebook and Instagram @southamptonartscenter. For press inquiries, contact Rachel Bosworth via email at rachel@rachelbosworth.com or by phone at 631.220.1220.