The Bronx Documentary Center has an exciting opportunity for you. They are conducting an exceptional exhibition of celebrated photographer Jamel Shabazz, which looks at his photographs from the 1970s to the early 2000s. What makes this showcase so compelling is that it showcases Shabazz’s evolution as a portrait, fashion, street, and documentary photographer. And that is just the beginning.
For the unversed, Jamel Shabazz was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began his journey by photographing his friends and family. However, after attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Shabazz became a full-time photographer. Throughout his career, he has depicted the Black community in the Bronx in the most human and empathetic way. One could say that his inspiration, which included Gordon Parks, James Van Der Zee, and others, helped him hone his skill as a beloved artist. What sets his work apart is also his commitment to photographing his subjects with social responsibility. In fact, to make photography more accessible to young individuals, he even was a teacher at the Studio Museum’s Expanding the Walls program, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the Bronx Museum’s Teen Council youth program, the International Center of Photography, Friends of Island Academy, and the Mural Arts program in Germantown, Pennsylvania, among others.
At The Phoblographer, we interviewed James Shabazz about his commitment, especially when he uses the medium to portray marginalized communities with the utmost sincerity. This new exhibition at BDC showcases his iconic photo album, his images of junior classmates, and other genres. The exhibit, thus, portrays Shabazz’s aptitude for chronicling narratives surrounding identity and resilience in New York and beyond.
I embarked on my photographic journey 50 years ago as a curious 15-year-old kid coming out of Brooklyn, using my mother’s Kodak Instamatic 126 camera. My primary subjects during that time were my junior high school classmates, who were more than willing to pose for me.
Back then, I would take the finished film to the local drug store for processing, and return about a week later to see the results of my efforts. To my surprise I made some pretty decent prints that I would then put into small photo albums and share with my friends. From that moment on, I developed a profound love for photography and preserving memories.
From 1975 to 2024 I have amassed quite a number of photo albums showing a wide range of images–from my original prints from the 1970’s, to some of the very first black and white prints I developed in my makeshift darkroom. There are fashion, street and documentary work featured in all of the albums.
Jamel Shabazz
In one of the interviews with us, Shabazz shared how one can learn to photograph documentary subjects the way he does. His advice was to be mindful of manipulation and have mutual respect and empathy as well. However, intention and sincerity are of utmost importance, which can be seen through his work. In Jamel Shabazz’s photographs, his subjects are themselves, allowing viewers an intimate glimpse. It is unlike any portrayal you’ve seen before. Furthermore, attending the exhibition will only further showcase how the community in the Bronx has changed over time and Black people’s social and political status in New York. Overall, this is your chance to relive the past unlike any other. And that is the best way to begin the year.
Opening Reception: Jamel Shabazz will be on view from February 28 to April 20. For more information, head here.