Gered Mankowitz has spent six decades capturing the essence of music's most celebrated artists. Now commemorating his 80th birthday, the renowned photographer reflects on a remarkable body of work that includes definitive portraits of Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Annie Lennox, Sade, and numerous other icons who shaped twentieth-century pop culture. His images have become inseparable from the artists themselves, defining how the public perceives these musical legends. Mankowitz developed deep, trusting relationships with his subjects, allowing him to photograph them in intimate settings that revealed their true characters.
A comprehensive retrospective of his career has been published by ACC Art Books under the title "Gered Mankowitz: Photographs." This collection brings together his most significant work across six decades of artistic collaboration. Additionally, his archive is showcased at the Iconic Images Gallery in London, where enthusiasts can experience his photographs firsthand. These exhibitions ensure that his contribution to music photography remains accessible to both longtime admirers and new audiences discovering his work.
Mankowitz offers candid insights into his experiences photographing difficult subjects. Recalling his sessions with Sade, he notes that she "wasn't particularly friendly" during their time together. Nevertheless, the resulting portraits are considered among the finest depictions of the artist. This speaks to Mankowitz's professional acumen and his ability to extract compelling performances from reluctant models. His photographs have transcended their era to become enduring artifacts of cultural history, preserving these artists' legacies for generations to come.