Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
August 23, 2019

Interview: Esteemed Photographer And Artist Bonnie Lautenberg On Her Latest Series, Late Husband Senator Frank Lautenberg, An Andy Warhol Musical, And More

Sydney A. Braatby Sydney A. Braat
in Arts
Home Arts

Artist and Photographer, Bonnie Lautenberg, graced the Hamptons scene this summer at Market Art + Design, the East End’s leading modern and contemporary art and design fair. She showed ARTISTICA! for the first time this summer which is a bold body of work exploring how one art form might have influenced another. Her style is certain to surprise and delight art lovers.

Curator Levi Prombaum of the Guggenheim Museum remarked, “Throughout ARTISTICA!, Lautenberg highlights film that borrows from the well-worked techniques of painting to create moments of intrigue, mystery, and romance. Through Lautenberg’s juxtapositions, abstraction’s high-keyed color becomes Technicolor; painting’s genres become comedy, drama, musical, and thrilled.”

We spoke with Lautenberg to learn more about her creative process:

It seems like you have had many passions throughout your life, including politics and art. How have those two joined together in your work today?

BL: My life as an artist crossed paths with politics when I met my late husband, Senator Frank Lautenberg. He taught me the equivalent of a PhD in political science. At my core I am creative, but my journey with Frank enabled an intersection of art and politics that’s become who I am. The art world has always been influenced by politics, and I’m thankful in my own life as an artist I had the privilege of getting front row access to current events. The political world inspired me, as it has for so many artists before me, and my close proximity gave me a unique perspective that I was able to convey through photography.

I was a passionate photographer all the years I was with Frank. As Frank’s wife, I accompanied him to many incredible events in Washington and always had my camera with me. I also photographed him all the time which he loved. Frank was a prolific author of legislation in the Senate. He accomplished so much by authoring important bills that have had a lasting positive impact on our society, including: the No Smoking on Airplanes Bill; the 21 Age Drinking Bill; and the .08 Bill that the lowered the amount of alcohol allowed in your system before driving from .1 to .08.

Swearing in Frank Lautenberg. (Courtesy Photo)


Frank’s accomplishments inspired me to find out about what other senators had done. My curiosity became an idea for a project that would showcase the legislative accomplishments of all senators to educate the public about what they contributed to society. Frank thought it would be impossible for me to photograph each senator, especially across the aisle, but I was determined. They saw the bipartisan nature of the project and within three months I was able to photograph 100 sitting senators and ask them what their legacy piece of legislation was. The project became “How They Changed Our Lives: Senators As Working People,” which was exhibited at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City, New Jersey in 2011 and is in the Library of Congress online in perpetuity and I still receive emails to use these photographs from time to time. It was a great project and an excellent tool for students to learn what so many of these United States Senators accomplished and how it affected them. For instance, the Violence Against Women’s Act (Joe Biden); the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Ted Kennedy); legislation that got $4.3 Billion to helped rebuild the World Trade Centers (Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer); legislation that not only stopped smoking in airplanes but stopped smoking in federal buildings where children had reason to be in that building for school (Lautenberg); the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain); and the Americans with Disabilities Act (Tom Harkin); just to give you just a few examples. There were almost 100 pieces of legislation quoted in this project. It was amazing. Remember, it was over the lifetime of these senator’s careers so it spanned many years.

Music was another passion of ours. Frank loved music and one day in 2010 he called to say he wanted to see a singer who was on the front page of The New York Times Arts section who was performing at Radio City Music Hall – Lady Gaga, an artist I hadn’t heard of at the time. I was thrilled by his enthusiasm because his birthday was the following weekend, as well as our wedding anniversary, so it was the perfect gift.

I was able to get front row seats from a ticket broker friend and knew from the article that Lady Gaga allowed fan photography at her shows. With my best Canon camera in tow, we were escorted to the first row and to our delight the seats were perfectly front and center, it felt as if she was performing just for us. She was fantastic and I was able to take the best photos. I have exhibited them many times as part of a series called “Pop Rocks,” which also includes other pop stars such as Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber. I love the energy from live music and still continue to photograph amazing artists on stage.

Can you speak about the moment you knew you wanted to focus your full attention on art and why you made that decision?

BL: I’ve always loved taking photographs but it was during my time with Frank that I was able to sharpen my focus. As his companion, I was able to capture pieces of history. When people would see my photographs, they were surprised to learn I wasn’t a professional and that I had only taken a few photos to get a great shot. When I developed photos from the Israeli-Palestinian peace accord, the lab technician told me my photos were as good as or better than the ones sent in from the newspaper photographers. After a trip to India I took more film to another lab and again they complemented my body of work. It was then that I realized I might have a talent for this. I became more serious with my photography, and about 15 years ago I was offered my first show at a gallery in Sag Harbor where I sold many pieces. I’ve been showing my work in exhibitions and galleries ever since!

After Frank’s passing my life was very different and I began thinking about where to focus more of my energy. I became more involved in my photography, and other projects such as writing and developing a musical. Frank was passionate about protecting the environment so I know he would have loved to see my photographs of Antarctica.

Honey and Ice. (Courtesy Photo)


What’s next for you? Do you have a particular goal in place that you hope to accomplish?

BL: Creating art and capturing precious moments or magical images is who I am and part of how I think and function every day. It’s rather organic and you can’t help it if your mind works that way, so I know that will continue. The creative process is so exciting, it keeps me up at night thinking about new projects and how to make them happen. I feel enriched and so lucky that I have this passion and talent to stay energized with exciting goals.

I have a body of work opening in Chicago at the Jean Albano Gallery on September 6th called ARTISTICA!, which debuted at Art Miami last December and was exhibited at Market: Art & Design in Bridgehampton this summer. This body of work is the first time I didn’t use physical images that I personally took with my camera. It was a conceptual idea I had about how one art form might have influenced another art form and I chose to use film stills and paintings. The film and the painting of each piece were done in the same year and each print is titled by the year they were made. For instance, I used an Andy Warhol “Elvis” from 1963 and paired it with Paul Newman in the movie “Hud.” It is really powerful when you think that “Hud” and the “Elvis” pieces were done in the same year. Another I paired is Marilyn Minter’s “Scrumptious” from 2004 with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” The response to this project has been amazing. It brings great joy to the viewer to see these pieces and stills side by side, and great joy to me to see how people are reacting with huge smiles to this work that is my homage to filmmakers and painters I admire. I have about 40 pieces starting from 1928 going to 2017. The response has been amazing – viewers see the work speaking to each other and wonder why this had never been done before! I would say there’s something political here as well.

I have a show opening on September 5th at the 92nd St. Y called “Honey and Ice: Fragile Elements.” This body of work is very political in that I photographed the country of Israel from a helicopter and the glaciers of Antarctica via a boat. When the 92nd Street Y asked if they could give me a show of my work, I began to think about what could be interesting for this exhibition. I chose to use the mountain regions of Israel and the glaciers and ice of Antarctica together to demonstrate the surprising similarities between the energy in each environment. Both regions are politically charged between global warming and the ice melt and the politics of Israel surrounded by so many enemies. I colored the images of the mountains in several of the pieces in bold, vibrant colors representing the intensity of the region and made three diptychs of the ice and mountains to draw correlations between these politically-charged regions. They are stunning images if I might say, and in viewing them you feel the magnitude of the intensity. There are 21 pieces in the exhibition.

I have many goals which continue to drive me every day. One current exciting goal is developing a Broadway musical on the life of Andy Warhol together with Steve Leber. We are co-founding producers and have been working on this project for a few years building an amazing creative team. Frank left me a series of ten Warhol “Soup Can” prints when he passed away, which I gave to his children. When they were put up for auction I asked my friend Steve Leber if he would like to join me at Christie’s to see them. Steve knew Andy from his past in the music world when Andy managed the Velvet Underground and Steve was head of the music department at the William Morris Agency. After Steve saw all the Warhol’s he quietly wrote a treatment for a Broadway show on the life of Andy Warhol. I knew the head of licensing at the Warhol Foundation so I was able to get it in front of them and much to our excitement they loved it and a great partnership was formed. Working on this project is very exciting and I hope to have more to tell you very soon.

I also love writing and am currently editing a book on Frank that I co-wrote with Dirk Olin. It will include many photographs I took of him during our years together. I can’t wait to see it published and have his story told alongside my photos.

For more information on Bonnie Lautenberg, visit www.bonnielautenberg.com.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

The Parrish Art Museum’s 2025 Midsummer Gala Raises Nearly $1.4 Million
Arts

The Parrish Art Museum’s 2025 Midsummer Gala Raises Nearly $1.4 Million

September 17, 2025
9th Annual Summer Design Luncheon Benefit Featured Acclaimed Interior Designer Marshall Watson
Community

9th Annual Summer Design Luncheon Benefit Featured Acclaimed Interior Designer Marshall Watson

September 16, 2025
Hamptons Black Art Renaissance, SUPERPOSITION Gallery’s MAMI WATA Exhibition
Arts

Hamptons Black Art Renaissance, SUPERPOSITION Gallery’s MAMI WATA Exhibition

September 2, 2025

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

Events

18
Sep
18
Sep
-
18
Sep

Aperitivo (Sunset Cocktails)

September 18 @ 05:00 PM - September 18 @ 08:00 PM
The Baker House 1650
18
Sep
18
Sep
-
18
Sep

Classic Albums Live Queen: News of the World

September 18 @ 08:00 PM - September 18 @ 10:00 PM
The Suffolk
18
Sep
18
Sep
-
18
Sep

Perry Bancs at The Stephen Talkhouse

September 18 @ 08:00 PM - September 18 @ 11:00 PM
161 Main St, Amagansett, NY 11930
19
Sep
19
Sep
-
19
Sep

SoundWAVE – a bespoke sound bath hosted by WAVE WELLNESS Southampton

September 19 @ 05:45 PM - September 19 @ 06:45 PM
15b Hill Street Southampton NY
19
Sep
19
Sep
-
19
Sep

Dynamic Duos of the East End

September 19 @ 06:00 PM - September 19 @ 07:30 PM
830 Springs Fireplace Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
Load more listings
Next Post
INTERVIEW: Amanda Hearst And Breanna Schultz On finn2finn Alliance’s Hamptons “Full Circle Benefit” And More

INTERVIEW: Amanda Hearst And Breanna Schultz On finn2finn Alliance's Hamptons "Full Circle Benefit" And More

  • Whether you are walking the fast-paced streets of New York City or taking a leisurely beach stroll in the Hamptons, there’s a slight chance you might run into Elias Friedman, known online as “The Dogist.” His adoration of dogs, combined with his passion for photography, has led him to gain over 7 million followers on Instagram. The audience at his recent Guild Hall show reflects how much people truly love their dogs and how Elias does so much more than simply take picture-perfect dog portraits. He can capture the beautiful bond between man and his best friend. His book, This Dog Will Change Your Life, is already a New York Times bestseller. Guild Hall’s lobby was filled with fans excited to get their copy signed.⁠
⁠
His guests included local dog lovers and friends of ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons). Attendees had front-row seats to a “Dogist”-style encounter: a casual conversation about how the dog entered the owner’s life, followed by a quick photo shoot revealing Elias’ methods for capturing the dog’s attention (hint: It’s dog noises and treats).⁠
⁠
I had the pleasure of talking to Elias about how “The Dogist” came to be, rescue organizations, and the Hamptons.⁠
⁠
⁠
Let’s go back to the beginning. What inspired you to dive into photography?⁠
⁠
We had a dark room because my dad was an amateur photographer, and I’d always liked cameras and gadgets. We had a couple of Labrador retrievers who were sort of my first muses and would happily sit for pictures. I was taking dog pictures from a young age and then fast forward to 2012 in New York City I was let go from my job and saw what other street photographers were doing like Humans of New York and The Sartorialist and thought why isn’t someone doing that for dogs and I thought I wanted to be the person, I dusted off my camera and the rest is kind of history. It took off pretty quickly because it turns out people like dogs just as much as I do.⁠
⁠
Read the full interview at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#dogist #arf #dogs #animalrescue #guildhall #hamptons
  • 167 Dune Road, Bridgehampton, NY 11932⁠
Saunders Exclusive: $42,500,000⁠
@jenniferwilsonhamptons 
@edbruehl @leemohlerehamptons 
@hamptonsrealestate 
⁠
Experience extraordinary coastal living with this exquisite oceanfront estate on Dune Road in Bridgehampton. ⁠
⁠
Designed by the renowned architect Francis Fleetwood, this remarkable property boasts 300 feet of private ocean frontage, complete with its own private boardwalk leading directly to the beach, all set on over 3 acres of prime land.⁠
⁠
The charming shingle-style residence encompasses 4,200 +/- sq. ft. of luxurious living space, featuring 5 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms, plus an additional half bath.⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#duneroad #oceanfront #bridgehampton #realestate #hamptons #francisfleetwood ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
  • The Hamptons have seen their fair share of collaborations and takeovers this summer. Still, nothing compares to The h.wood Group and Chase Sapphire Reserve’s transformation of Montauk hotspot Mary Lou’s into Delilah Montauk.⁠
⁠
The four-day takeover combined unforgettable dining experiences with show-stopping live entertainment featuring performances by Zack Bia, Alesso, Gwen Stefani, and DJ Pee.Wee (Anderson Paak). ⁠
⁠
Exclusively for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, diners were treated to white glove hospitality and Delilah’s staples, including the famous chicken tenders and tuna tartare, and bold twists on Hamptons classics like lobster rolls, striped bass crudo, and crab and avocado toast. 

Check out more at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)

#gwenstefani #alesso #djpeewee #chasesapphirereserve #delilahmontauk #montauk #hamptons
  • LVIS thrift shops are open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 AM through 5 PM

donations are accepted Wednesday through Saturday 10 AM through 1 PM by appointment 

located at 95 Main St East Hampton
  • Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend!⁠
⁠
🚗 The Bridge IX⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 13 | 2–7PM⁠
📍 The Bridge, Bridgehampton⁠
Over 300 rare automobiles showcased across stunning landscapes.⁠
⁠
🎬 23rd Annual Surf Movie Night⁠
📅 Fri, Sept 12 | 5:30–9PM⁠
📍 Southampton Arts Center⁠
Surfboard swap, live music & outdoor film screening. 🌊⁠
⁠
🍝 San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 13 – Sun, Sept 14 | 10AM⁠
📍 Hampton Bays⁠
Italian pastries, live entertainment & fireworks Sat @ 8:15PM 🎆⁠
⁠
🎭 In Process: Roderick George⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 13 | 7PM⁠
📍 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
A special in-process presentation of The Missing Fruit (Part I).⁠
⁠
🎤 Sheena Easton at WHBPAC⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 13 | 8PM⁠
📍 Westhampton Beach PAC⁠
Grammy-winning artist live on stage!⁠
⁠
☕ Cars & Coffee⁠
📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 9–11AM⁠
📍 Bridgehampton Museum⁠
Classic & exotic cars, food, drinks & live music.⁠
⁠
🛍 Hampton Vintage⁠
📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 10AM–5PM⁠
📍 Westhampton Beach Village Green⁠
Shop unique vintage finds!⁠
⁠
🎶 Hamptons Festival of Music Finale⁠
📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 4PM⁠
📍 St. Luke’s Church, East Hampton⁠
Featuring Cimarosa, Berlioz & Beethoven.⁠
⁠
🍷 Wine Dinner with Pradorey at R.AIRE⁠
📅 Tues, Sept 16 | 6:30PM⁠
📍 Hampton Bays⁠
Five-course tasting menu with exquisite wine pairings.⁠
⁠
🎥 Toy Story 30th Anniversary Screening⁠
📅 Sept 12–15 | Various Times⁠
📍 Southampton Playhouse⁠
Celebrate Woody & Buzz’s timeless adventure!⁠
⁠
Check out more events at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#carshow #hamptons #sangennaro #sangennarofeast #winedinner #bridgeIX
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-613-8440
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

About Us | Contact Us

Hamptons.com

  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Live Cameras
  • Public WiFi

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us