THE TATS ARE OUT

Summertime, and the tats are out in full force. I've always been fascinated by the infinite variety of images that bedeck the bodies of a sizable population of (mostly) young people. I admit to a special fondness for the idiosyncratic flavors of this large gathering.

small, but way goof...

a vintage radiator worn by a former Chicagoan...

banal but beautiful, building blocks, found everywhere...

this man was a fan of the 6 Train

an armful of earthly delight with this homage to Mr Bosch

nuts and bolts of urban life...

lunch launch at Coney Island

fashion arm

one of the many great tats at the Pride Parade...

all photos ©Ken Brown

 

VACANT LOT STUDY

A vacant lot study- 2008-2018. About a decade ago, I noticed that a few scrap metal figures had landed in a vacant lot in the East Village (between 2nd street and East Houston). I returned every so often and would witness a playful rearrangement of these characters as well as the addition of oddball art and other found objects. The gates were closed, but it was obviously a fun project for someone. Each year, the weather took its toll, and although pieces were painted, eventually, almost everything was removed and it has become almost entirely overgrown. Yesterday, I was by and saw the hoop man emerging from a thicket of vegetation.

The new arrivals...

and their buddies

air guitar guy...

and the landscape begins to fill in...

a new location

and a Spring paint job...

a garden party...

and another year in an expanding world...

by coincidence, a met a caretaker who let me in for a short

visit and a chance for unobstructed views

and the party continues...

a few years ago...

and last year as overgrowth continued ...

all photos ©Ken Brown

NYC STREET PORTRAITS

 As a street photographer, there are occasions where I just have to ask, "could I take your picture?". This is still a fairly small category in the ongoing archive, but one that I hope to expand upon. These are from the past few years.

a greeter at a club in Tribeca

a friend made her braids

met biking down Broadway in Brooklyn

at an art fair in Greenpoint

at the Garage Flea Market

at Little Skips Coffee in Bushwick

ran into this young man on our street and had to ask the familiar question...

met her in Times Square and was entranced by the hat

Met Remmy on 5th Ave during the Womens March

after the Pride Parade in Washington Square

all photos ©Ken Brown

       

PRIDE DAY

Last weeks Pride Day was a celebratory moment of beauty, joy, and unfettered       exuberance.

all photos ©Ken Brown