Joseph Szabo’s pictures of American adolescents

Joseph Szabo's photographs of American adolescents from the 1970s and 1980s capture a unique era in time. These images, taken at Malverne High School on Long Island, showcase the styles of the subjects, which include feathered hair, high-waisted jeans, platform shoes, and puka-shell necklaces. The photos frequently reveal students smoking cigarettes, adding to the era's distinct vibe.

However, beyond the fashion choices and smoking, Szabo's subjects possess an intrinsic confidence and presence, an untouched grace that comes from not having grown up amidst the filter, polish, and constant scrutiny of modern social media.

Kim Gordon, a musician and artist, wrote in the introduction of Szabo's work, "American Teen" that he captures not just the look of adolescence, but the feeling of it in a pre-filter, pre-algorithm world. Szabo, in his early thirties at the time, had recently completed an M.F.A. in photography at Pratt Institute. Upon moving to Long Island, he began teaching darkroom photography classes at Malverne High.

He discovered that teaching students how to make their own prints, sparking creativity and connection with the students who seemed disaffected from school, was a way to engage them.

The students served as natural subjects for Szabo, always present, curious to see their lives reflected back at them. He took photographs of them during school yearbooks, around the school, and even at off-campus locations like a deli, Jones Beach, a Rolling Stones concert, and a local bar owned by actor Tony Danza. Szabo's images maintain an intimate feel, with subjects feeling comfortable around him, their guards down and genuine interactions captured. His subjects are a blend of androgynous styles and flamboyant glam influences of the era.

Szabo's photos are devoid of judgment or fretting, providing a reminder of how cool teenagers can be, without the modern-day anxieties. They encapsulate a time when hanging out felt like a guaranteed fun experience, full of unspoken connections, and free from the pressures of constant digital scrutiny.