Photos of adolescence

Magnum Photos is selling iconic prints of youth culture across generations
By Ella Joyce | Art | 21 October 2025

Since its founding in 1947 by a collective of renowned photojournalists, Magnum Photos has both captured and distributed some of the world’s most recognisable images. The introduction of the Square Print Sale just over a decade ago continued the organisation’s focus on accessibility, offering the public a chance to purchase their own piece of history in the form of 6×6” prints. This year, Magnum joins forces with non-profit publisher Aperture for their latest print sale titled, Youth.

Exploring the myriad of faces, places and forms which immortalise the glory and obscurity of youth, the chosen images reminisce on firsts: a first kiss, a first dance, a first fight, a first concert. Capturing those moments which teeter on the edge of adulthood and childhood, be it in the literal or metaphorical sense, each image is charged with a coming-of-age current.

BALDWIN LEE Untitled, 1983-1989.
BALDWIN LEE / Aperture

Comprised of over 100 images from revered names such as Jim Goldberg, Eve Arnold, Joel Meyerowitz, Alec Sloth and Elliott Landy, each photograph in the sale was selected by the photographers themselves. Whether capturing scenes from Woodstock in 1969, teenagers in Washington Square Park during the 1980s, the 1950s Civil Rights strikes in America, or youth under occupation in the 21st century, Magnum’s photographs document snapshots of adolescence across generations.

A host of famous faces also feature in this year’s roster. Shots of The Sex Pistols taken by Bob Gruen alongside Dennis Stock’s iconic black-and-white portrait of James Dean taken in 1955. While Danny Clinch’s candid shots capture Bruce Springsteen backstage, and Werner Bischoff’s poignant portrait of Frida Kahlo records the seminal artist just months before her death.

Magnum’s Square Print Sale will be available to shop online until October 26th, more info here

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