Jamel Shabazz
1960 - present
1960 - present
Background:
Jamel Shabazz is a documentary/street photographer who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. In 1980 he embarked on a mission to document various aspects of life in New York City, from youth culture to a wide range of social conditions. Over the years Jamel has volunteered, working with multiple organizations centered on inspiring young people in the field of photography and social responsibility. He has lectured at the Fashion Institute of Technology, The International Center for Photography, The Brooklyn Historic Foundation, Haverford College and Parsons New School of Design. Shabazz has written 5 monographs and is currently on a new book, titled “The Book of Life”.
Style:
The social and political injustices of the African American community is what influences the style of his photography. Hip hop music was gaining serious attention and he strongly created is photos to be born out of the black American experience. His photographs present a unique insight into the moments, memories and beauty of a community that has had to struggle to be heard, both then and now. I really believe that he captures the rawness of what it was like to be genuinely black
Philosophy:
"Ideally I would like for my work to inspire young and old alike to see the power of photography in documenting ones family and community. The ability to see is a divine gift; it would be wise to use it to inspire and provoke thought to make this world a better place." -Jamel Shabazz
Influence:
I've always been interested in photography of african americans from the 80s and 90s. Automatically I was attracted to Shabazz's photography because of my interest. He has inspired me to pay more attention to what's happening around me. He's also inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and document the things that intrigue me.
Jamel Shabazz is a documentary/street photographer who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. In 1980 he embarked on a mission to document various aspects of life in New York City, from youth culture to a wide range of social conditions. Over the years Jamel has volunteered, working with multiple organizations centered on inspiring young people in the field of photography and social responsibility. He has lectured at the Fashion Institute of Technology, The International Center for Photography, The Brooklyn Historic Foundation, Haverford College and Parsons New School of Design. Shabazz has written 5 monographs and is currently on a new book, titled “The Book of Life”.
Style:
The social and political injustices of the African American community is what influences the style of his photography. Hip hop music was gaining serious attention and he strongly created is photos to be born out of the black American experience. His photographs present a unique insight into the moments, memories and beauty of a community that has had to struggle to be heard, both then and now. I really believe that he captures the rawness of what it was like to be genuinely black
Philosophy:
"Ideally I would like for my work to inspire young and old alike to see the power of photography in documenting ones family and community. The ability to see is a divine gift; it would be wise to use it to inspire and provoke thought to make this world a better place." -Jamel Shabazz
Influence:
I've always been interested in photography of african americans from the 80s and 90s. Automatically I was attracted to Shabazz's photography because of my interest. He has inspired me to pay more attention to what's happening around me. He's also inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and document the things that intrigue me.
Process
Jamel Shabazz
http://www.jamelshabazz.com/#photographs
Artist Statement:
All of these photos tell my story just like Jamel's tells his. Jamel's photos tell the story of his profession on a personal and work level. "The Family" are collected pictures of his family members that took during holidays which shows his interest in personal documentary. "Pro-Keds" is a photo he took for an add in a magazine which shows the business side of his career. "Process" shows that whether he is taking pictures for recreation or work, they all start at the same. My photos just tell my personal story. "Family Ties" is a collection of photos from when I was young, care free, and able to enjoy my life with family. Each picture shows our different personalities. "Jordans" is not only a reflection of my brother's interest but also how he looks up to me. I really love sneakers like Nike and Jordan, my brother is trying to get like me with his shoe game. "Lost Files" are undeveloped photos from the bottom of my moms drawer. It kind of shows how some things are stuck in the past and now matter how good those times felt, time doesn't allow you to go back and enjoy the moment just one more time
All of these photos tell my story just like Jamel's tells his. Jamel's photos tell the story of his profession on a personal and work level. "The Family" are collected pictures of his family members that took during holidays which shows his interest in personal documentary. "Pro-Keds" is a photo he took for an add in a magazine which shows the business side of his career. "Process" shows that whether he is taking pictures for recreation or work, they all start at the same. My photos just tell my personal story. "Family Ties" is a collection of photos from when I was young, care free, and able to enjoy my life with family. Each picture shows our different personalities. "Jordans" is not only a reflection of my brother's interest but also how he looks up to me. I really love sneakers like Nike and Jordan, my brother is trying to get like me with his shoe game. "Lost Files" are undeveloped photos from the bottom of my moms drawer. It kind of shows how some things are stuck in the past and now matter how good those times felt, time doesn't allow you to go back and enjoy the moment just one more time