EXQUISITE NEW YEAR

                 To one and all, ... Have an Exquisite New Year!!!

"SEASONAL SNAPS"

Here’s a seasonal batch ‘o snaps and a special wish for a peaceful and joyful holiday for all.

all photos ©Ken Brown

"GHOST IMAGES" FROM ELLIS ISLAND

Last week, on one of those unseasonably warm early winter days, we had the

good fortune of taking a “hard hat” tour that was part of a program organized by, Save Ellis Island, a non profit foundation.  

A year ago, JR., the French street artist extraordinaire, was commissioned 

by the National Park service to place photographs of early immigrants around several abandoned buildings that made up the hospital complex at Ellis Island. 

The “ghost” images from 100 years ago create a powerful depiction of the millions who passed through this portal to American citizenship with hope, dignity and some trepidation. 

The ferry ride over was filled with tourists from around the world coming to visit this iconic location. It pained me to think of what this place has symbolized, and how today, refugees in similar circumstances face such enormous obstacles to be welcomed here.

Hats off to Justin Trudeau and our northern neighbors for a lesson in human compassion.

All photos ©Ken Brown

"MONA LISA'S MUSTACHE"

Wherever there are public poster displays, there is also a long history of graphic shenanigans. A distinct sub-category of the ever present realm of poster graphics is a file I call, “Mona Lisa’s Mustache”. Here is a modest gallery of street side subversion with markers, pencils, stickers, glue, etc… 

and to the artists, God bless your little weisenheimer hearts.

all photos ©Ken Brown

"TENSION RELEASE"

Yup, the gravy was good and the turkey was tender, but occasionally the

accumulation of holiday stress, (traffic, Trump loving relatives, or just general

heebie-jeebies) can give good cause for a “Tension Release” ball.

                                    

                                      ©Ken Brown

"STELLAR STOREFRONTS" NYC

         I love the creativity and diversity found in the many thousands of small

         businesses that still make up a huge part of the economic backbone of

         NYC.

Brooklyn

Bushwick

E. Williamsburg

Williamsburg

Williamsburg

Bed Stuy, Brooklyn

Queens

Sunset Park

Coney Island

Staten Island

all photos ©Ken Brown

"THE DEUCE" NYC

Last week, I was biking down from Washington Heights and noticed an unusual array of signs and stores that at first seemed like an unreal cluster of vintage NYC authenticity. Of course it was, unreal that is, and I soon learned that the whole block had been made over as a replica of late 1970’s Times Square for a TV movie called, “the Deuce”, an early reference to 42nd Street. 

I met a few crew members who were moving replicas of IRT Subway signs and getting ready for the night shoot. Their next task was to

empty many dozens of trash bags for authentic period decor. 

all photos ©Ken Brown

"POSE-A-PALOOZA" NYC

I can’t seem to shake my fascination with the

ongoing NYC pose-a-palooza ...

aliens in Willyburg...

Nolita

kicking out the jams on the Brooklyn Bridge

Mom get's the shot of friendly technicolor rats in Times Square

first selfie stick observed

and later on Coney Island

also at Coney Island

except in pix

at the Met

getting intimate with the art at Coney Island Art Walls

and lastly, a souvenir selfie portrait with a NYC turd

all photos ©Ken Brown