A Rakish Pilgrimage to Prague: Exploring Bruce Weber’s Vision

Photography - Nicholas Andrews

Words - Taj Hayer

When photographer Nicholas Andrews and I decided to travel to Prague for the Bruce Weber: My Education exhibition at the Prague City Gallery, it felt like a pilgrimage of sorts. For years, Weber’s work has been a profound source of inspiration for The Rakish Gent. Seeing his photographs in person, in a city that holds a special place in his creative journey, was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.

Walking through the (incredibly expansive) exhibition, I was struck by the sheer breadth of Weber’s artistry. Most people associate him with his iconic fashion photography—those indelible images for Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair—or his highly memorable campaigns for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. But this retrospective revealed so much more. His ability to weave narrative into his portraiture, landscapes, and even his music and fashion films was remarkable. Each photograph seemed to pulse, whether it was a serene landscape, an intimate moment, or a portrait of a cultural titan like Nelson Mandela or Georgia O’Keeffe.

Prague has a unique significance for Weber. He first came to the city in 2000 to photograph Heath Ledger for Vanity Fair. In his downtime, Ledger would wander the city, taking photos and chatting with locals—a memory Weber reflects on fondly in the exhibition. Those moments, along with Prague’s bridges and cobblestone streets, have clearly left their mark on his artistic imagination. The exhibition also highlights Weber’s enduring ties to the Czech Republic, showcasing collaborations with stars of Czech descent like Eva Herzigová and Martina Navrátilová. It’s a reminder that Weber’s art isn’t confined to one style or geography—his is a global vision, rich in movement, emotion, and humanity.

The setting of the Stone Bell House at Prague City Gallery only amplified the impact of the exhibition. Its Baroque architecture provided a stunning contrast to Weber’s textured, often raw images. The photographs weren’t arranged chronologically or by theme, but by textures and tones. Portraits of celebrities like Louise Bourgeois blended seamlessly with reportage from Detroit and Miami’s Little Hanoi, while images of golden retrievers reminded us of Weber’s playful and tender side. And then there were the films—a separate room screened his music videos and documentaries, including Let’s Get Lost, his unforgettable tribute to jazz legend Chet Baker.

For me, the exhibition underscored why Weber’s work continues to resonate. His images capture more than just a moment—they reveal a story, a mood, a feeling. They remind us of the beauty in authenticity, the power of human connection, and the art in everyday life.

As we left the gallery, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. Weber’s career is a masterclass in storytelling, and My Education offered not just a retrospective of his work, but an invitation to see the world through his eyes. If you’re in Prague before January 19, 2025, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just an exhibition—it’s an experience that will leave it’s mark on you.

From 200 CZK, to 19 January 2025 at Prague City Gallery.