Scott Weiner’s Celebrity Photos Chronicle Rock ‘n’ Roll History
In some circles, Philadelphia photographer Scott Weiner has become as legendary as the subjects of his work.
A rock ‘n’ roll exhibition celebrating more than 40 years of Weiner’s photography was recently on display at the Old City Jewish Arts Center (OCJAC), drawing a large number of fans.
Best known for his provocative photographs of iconic rock ‘n’ roll stars and celebrities, the retrospective of his work also featured several U.S. presidents and photographs from a 2012 trip to Israel.
Weiner draws out the subject’s personality in his photos, showing artists such as U2, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Love Hewitt in a more personal and vulnerable light. More than 70 photographs were on display.
OCJAC’s exhibitions explore Judaism through art.
“We were looking for something upbeat and refreshing after Shavuot, and music uplifts the soul,” gallery director Rabbi Zalman Wircberg said.
The exhibit was organized by genre, starting with photographs from Weiner’s early rock ‘n’ roll days, including musicians and celebrities, and then included images from a trip the artist took to Israel.
The odyssey included photographs of several presidents, such as Donald Trump coming out of Air Force One for the very first time after being elected president and President Barack Obama speaking at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia during his campaign. A striking portrait of President Bill Clinton, and another of President Jimmy Carter showing a peace sign were also on display, as well as a photograph of Pope Francis during his 2015 Philadelphia visit.
