I met and photographed these boys a block from my apartment, early on a February morning. It was one of my first trips out in my neighborhood shooting this square format film, and this image helped convince me to stick with the project. The photo was included in the exhibition Click at the Brooklyn Museum and someone commented that the boys reminded him of a young Al Capone, who apparently also smoked stogies on the streets of Red Hook. A friend said the one on the left reminded her of Jay-Z. Another said it was the saddest picture in the exhibit. Another said he sees these boys everywhere, but I've been keeping an eye out for them when I'm walking in the neighborhood and I haven't seen them again.
this is a great shot. lotsa history, personality and sense of place. a secial NY portrait.
ReplyDeletei remember these boys back when i lived in red hook. i love all of your photography and how you capture Red Hook in all its grittiness, but still hopeful and full of pride. It seriously evokes some kind of indescribable emotion that can only be known to someone that has roughed the cold winters, and the hot eventful summers. Im visiting for Old Timers day in august, I cant honestly say I'm anticipating going back, but I hear alot has changed and i am eager to see these changes.
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