Jamel Shabazz: Reflections from the 80s
Hardhitta Gallery in Cologne, Germany presents an exhibition of American photographer Jamel Shabazz called Reflections from the 80s. The exhibition showcases 18 iconic photographs depicting authentic street life in New York City over the course of the decade.
The 80s’ in New York represented a tough environment filled with drugs, arrests and widespread violence caused by rivalling street gangs. These circumstances brought life to artistic expressions centred on social and political injustices of the African-American community. The time period saw many young people split at difficult crossroads caused by the surrounding violence and daily challenges.
Driven by the urge to help ease the tensions in his community and guide the youth to stay free of trouble, Shabazz went to the streets with his camera, attracting the youth and in-turn helping them with life choices. He became a mentor as well as a source for inspiration and hope. Reflecting this time, his photographs came to function as a visual diary or collection of memories, moments, conversations and people. By capturing Shabazz’s relationships with his surroundings and community, the images communicate the universal feelings of adolescence including hope, dreams, self-discovery and living the moment.
Shabazz himself was raised in Brooklyn during a violent time that was marked by the civil rights movement and the Vietnam war. Violent and war-torn imagery was part of his childhood, but rather than allowing the darkness of these times to take over, Shabazz developed a deep sense of empathy and a determination to show a different perspective. Young Shabazz first found his forms of self-expression in graffiti art and photography during the rise of the hip-hip movement in the 70s. At age 15 Shabazz found purpose in photography as a means to raise his voice and inspire love and unity. Since then his photos have represented a daily search for hope, promise and beauty.
Shabazz’s original and honest portrayal of the vibrant energy and lifestyle of urban New York’s 80s has made him one of the key people to immortalise this time period. Over the years and stretching into the present, his work has inspired filmmakers, fashion trends and global youth culture. The secret behind his capturing images is a deep care and compassion.
Reflections from the 80s will be on display in Hardhitta Gallery from Friday 6 – Sunday 29 March 2015.
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