The Teen Portraits That Captivated Sofia Coppola
5 hours ago
- Joseph Szabo's photos in 'American Teen' blend timeless black-and-white imagery with the specific styles and vibe of the 1970s-80s.
- His subjects—teens at Malverne High School—show a spontaneous, unpolished presence, in contrast to today's algorithm-driven self-curation.
- Szabo, then a teacher, connected with students via darkroom photography, capturing them candidly at school, beach, and local spots.
- Publisher Sofia Coppola discovered Szabo's work through a Dinosaur Jr. album cover and launched the book to revive his out-of-print images.
- The photos feel intimate and non-intrusive; teens appear comfortable and unguarded, even in moments of affection or solitude.
- The images evoke nostalgia for 70s teen culture, including a low-key, cozier androgyny and carefree hanging out.
- Unlike modern anxieties, Szabo's photos avoid judgment, reminding viewers how cool teens can be in their own world.