I can't wait to see the exhibit now at the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library (the big one at Grand Army Plaza, Reflections by Jamel Shabazz.
According to the BPL,
"A prolific photographer of street culture in New York City, Jamel Shabazz has been documenting this borough since the 1980s. His work is showcased throughout the Central Library, and in the Brooklyn Collection we're displaying a selection of images donated by Mr. Shabazz."
I was vaguely familiar with Shabazz's work (he did a series on hip-hop's more innocent early days titled, memorably, "Before Crack"), but didn't know he was a fellow Prospect Park obsessive. The BPL has put up a truly wonderful 5-minute slide show with Shabazz in voice-over telling us what the park has meant to him over the years—an enchanted preserve for a boy from the projects, where he wooed girlfriends, refreshed his soul, trained his body, mentored youth, and blossomed as a chronicler of people-in-the-city. He calls the park "the path of life—you meet people in search of peace. Whatever people I was suppoed to meet, I would meet."
And Shabazz sums up the whole reason I started this blog almost 5 years ago (is that possible?):
"It's great visual medicine for me."
Come to think of it, I haven't been taking my medicine regularly. Maybe a recommitment to my daily visit is just what the doctor should order.
People in search of peace
Posted by: Chicken Underwear | December 29, 2012 at 07:28 AM
Hello-
I am enjoying your blog quite a bit. You and I have a very similar passion; I too am recording a year (now in the third year) in a park. I would love to chat with you. In the meantime, may I add your blog link to my blog? http://ayearinthepark.blogspot.com/
Jenny
Posted by: jenny koester | January 25, 2013 at 02:09 PM