September 13 - october 14, 2018
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 15, 5:00 - 9:00pm

standing on the square

Jamel Shabazz

Curated by Dr. Myrah Brown Green

Standing on the Square documents almost forty years of historical moments photographed by Jamel Shabazz. In each experience, Shabazz has been welcomed into “the square” of those who he photographs. In that moment, Shabazz becomes an ambassador of the neighborhood, assuring each and every soul who allows him to connect with them, “I see you”. I see you not only through the lens of this camera, but from my soul to yours. - Dr. Myrah Brown Green

About the Artist

Jamel Shabazz was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of fifteen, he picked up his first camera and started to document his peers. Inspired by photographers Leonard Freed, James Van Der Zee, and Gordon Parks, he was marveled with their documentation of the African American community. In 1980 as a concerned photographer with a clear vision he embarked on a mission to extensively document various aspects of life in New York City, from youth culture to a wide range of social conditions. Due to its spontaneity and uniqueness, the streets and subway system became backdrops for many of his photographs.

Shabazz says his goal is to contribute to the preservation of world history and culture. In the past 10 years he has had over two dozen solo exhibitions; “Men of Honor”, “A Time Before Crack”, “Pieces of a Man”, “Represent”, When Two Worlds Meet”, “Back in the Days,” and “Seconds of my Life,” which have been shown from Argentina to The Netherlands, England, Italy, Germany, France, Japan and throughout the United States.

GALLERY HOURS:

Thursday through Sunday, 1pm to 6pm; or by appointment. 

DIRECTIONS:

Take 2, 3, or 4 trains to Franklin Avenue. Walk two blocks against the traffic on Franklin. Walk ¾ block to 558 St. Johns Place. FiveMyles is within easy walking distance from the Brooklyn Museum.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

FiveMyles is in part supported by the New York State Council for the Arts, Public Funds from the New York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Council Member Laurie Cumbo, the Greenwich Collection, The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation. The panel discussion is made possible thanks to a Humanities NY Action Grant.