Behind closed doors with Andy Warhol’s right-hand man
- Text by Huck
- Photography by Bob Colacello
Throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, Bob Colacello was synonymous with America’s VIP culture.
As Andy Warhol’s trusted right-hand man, the writer, editor and photographer was firmly embedded in high society, accompanying the pop artist to lofty parties, full of designers, politicians and film stars.
It was at these gatherings that Colacello took the photos that make up Pictures From Another Time, a new exhibition currently showing at New York’s Vito Schnabel gallery.
Working with a Minox 35 EL – the camera favoured by spies during the Cold War – he shot some of pop culture’s most significant figures, capturing them as partied together.
“I liked to be in the middle of the party, and to give that feeling to the viewer,” he says.
“Many of my best photos, I think, are multilayered, with faces half-blocked by a waving hand or overly large hairdo. I often deliberately tilted the camera to create the sensation of being caught in a crush or slightly tipsy.”
Pictures From Another Time features the likes of Liza Minnelli, Cher, Truman Capote and Mick Jagger – as well as Warhol himself – taken at events that range from late-night jaunts at Studio 54 to presidential inaugurations.
And, though he shared his taste in cameras with agents of espionage, Colacello – who wrote for the likes of Village Voice and Vanity Fair, and edited Interview from 1971 to 1983 – never saw his work as covert. (“No one seemed to care, because I was the editor of Interview magazine, not an invasive paparazzo.”)
Together, the images form a candid portrait of a bygone era. As far as Colacello is concerned, it’s a series that wouldn’t be possible in today’s age.
“Well, I’d be competing with everybody’s phone,” he says. “And [nowadays] people tend to mix it up a lot less, to stick with their own kind, whether that be class, race, religion, sexual preference, political party, or profession. Such a bore! And intrinsically divisive.”
Pictures From Another Time is showing at New York’s Vito Schnabel gallery until June 21, 2019.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In the pit at one of the UK’s last stock car & banger speedways
Stock Car Racing Isn’t Dead — Photographer Liam McCarthy spent time in and around the Arlington Raceway’s circuit, capturing the diehard community that keeps the sport alive.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Inside Lower Duck Pond, the nicest town on the internet
/r/HaveWeMet — With a population of 2,500 and no fixed location, the subreddit is a space for roleplaying citizens to solve mysteries, host fictional events and ultimately connect. In an internet that’s often divided and toxic, Vicky Jessop hangs out in one of its most wholesome corners.
Written by: Vicky Jessop
A major Nan Goldin exhibition is coming to London
You Never Did Anything Wrong — Opening at the Hayward Gallery in November, the show will debut a new film from the artist and activist, alongside a slate of recent work.
Written by: Jack Dennison-Thompson
