New York Street Photography

Jamel Shabazz

"During the summer of 1980, under the direction of his father, a photographer, Jamel Shabazz armed himself with a Canon AE1 SLR camera and passionately photographed the urban landscape that he called home. New York City--the city that never sleeps--was the ideal epicenter to photograph because of its 24-hour subway system and the many businesses that are open late into the night. New York's energy inspired him to use the streets as a canvas for the majority of his work for over 35 years. Photographing in the streets put Shabazz in the heart of all of the action--he carried his camera everywhere, always set and at the ready. Like a sherman seeking a fruitful catch, Shabazz ventured into locations full of life and uncertainty in hopes of capturing a unique moment. More importantly, he sought to gain insight into the conditions of the larger world and its inhabitants. 'Sights in the...