A time of innocence Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Thestreet photographyofJamel Shabazzcrystalized an important era of New York City and its boroughs.
Over 150 photographs spanning a period of 40 years tell the story of a city.
“A time of innocence” Flatbush, Brooklyn. 1981.
Shabazz began his street photography in earnest after returning to New York in the 1980s.
He had just finished a stint in the military, where he was stationed abroad.
When he returned, he found that the city had changedit had become more violent.
“Man and dog” Lower East Side, Manhattan. 1980.
Using his craft, he began to search for what had caused this change.
But then I realized that the camera had a magnetic attraction to it.
And it gave me a voice now to connect with people, not only photograph them.
“Embracing the Feeling” Flatbush, Brooklyn. 1982.
I was concerned about the violence that was going on in the community.
I was concerned about young people’s goals and aspirations.
So I used it as a magnet to draw people in and have conversations.
“Flying High” Brownsville, Brooklyn. 1982.
Wide-reaching in its content, the Bronx Museum exhibition allows visitors to see the full breadth of these conversations.
Shabazz not only captured the fashion of the time but also people’s spirits.
Jamel Shabazz: Eyes on the Streetsis on view at the Bronx Museum through September 4, 2022.
Man and dog Lower East Side, Manhattan.
Embracing the Feeling Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Flying High Brownsville, Brooklyn.
“Sign of the time” NYC. 1981.
Sign of the time NYC.
His work immortalized a generation and focused on joyful daily moments of community.
Father & Son Downtown Brooklyn, 1982.
“Father & Son” Downtown Brooklyn, 1982.
Joy Riding Flatbush, Brooklyn.
The exhibit contains over 150 photographs taken between 1980 and 2020.
Father & Seeds Coney Island, Brooklyn.
“Joy Riding” Flatbush, Brooklyn. 1980.
The Making of a Band Bed Stuy, Brooklyn.
Steel and Velvet NYC.
Related Articles:
“Father & Seeds” Coney Island, Brooklyn. 2014.
“The Making of a Band” Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. 2008.
“Steel and Velvet” NYC. 2019.
