Iconic Images by Harry Benson at SAC

Southampton Arts Center (SAC) opens the second exhibition of its 10th anniversary year on Saturday, May 6. “A Moment in Time: Iconic Images by Harry Benson,” which is 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 from the 20th and 21st centuries.

“Harry Benson has captured some of the most iconic moments in history in a way that tells a compelling story,” said 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,” said 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,” said 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 at SAC, including the opening reception on Friday, May 26, at 6 p.m., and a screening of the film “Harry Benson: Shoot First” on Friday, July 7, at 6 p.m. All programs will include a book signing.

For more information, visit southamptonartscenter.org. Southampton Arts Center is at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.