Posted on
2015-02-24
Shabazz has been representing urban New York’s visual history for the past 40 years. Through his iconic images capturing the lifestyle and vibrant energy of the time like no other. he became one of the key people to immortalize the New York of the 80’s To this day his quintessential and mesmerizing work inspires international fashion trends, global youth culture, and has also served as a source of inspiration for countless films. His secret lies in his care and his devotion to people.
New York in the 80’s was rough around the edges: violent rivalling street gangs, drugs, and arrests were part of the city’s dark-sided fabric that interlaced with the artistic expression of social and political injustices of the African-American community. Many young people found themselves at a difficult crossroads or facing challenging and often violent day-to-day realities. Jamel wanted to do what he could to ease the tension of his community and help kids stay out of trouble. So he and his camera took to the streets, attracting young people for whom he became a mentor and inspiration regarding life and making choices and keeping a positive outlook for the future.
His photographs are Jamel’s visual diary – a collection of memories, moments, conversations, people and details. They reflect these personal relationships, while speaking to universal sentiments of hope, dreams, self-discovery and living-the-moment shared by all adolescence.
Opposite – Man and Dog, Lower East Side, NY. 1980
Exhibition runs from March 7th to March 28th, 2015
Hardhitta Gallery
Limburger Str. 21
50672 Cologne
Germany
www.hardhittagallery.com
