Jamel Shabazz: Faces and Places, 1980–2023

Jamel Shabazz has been documenting the vibrancy of hip-hop, of Brooklyn, and of cultures worldwide after 1980. That’s the year he returned to New York City from his time serving in the military, determined to capture everything—families, best friends, first loves, laughter.

Jamel Shabazz (born Brooklyn, New York, 1960). The Art of Love, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 1988. © Jamel Shabazz

What’s the story behind some of his favorite photographs, like the one featured above?

In his own words:

That picture was taken in Prospect Park around the 1990s. I met them at Jones Beach. So many men wanted to photograph them—they were very attractive. They knew that I was a professional photographer, and I asked them if they would walk me to another area to get away from all the people. I had to really do some maneuvering because [the men] were following me. One of them even took out a notebook and wanted to know, What did I say to them?

I wasn’t really satisfied with pictures from the beach. I felt that I wanted to document them in a more dignified way. So that’s when I told them, if we can connect in Prospect Park and you dress well, with shoes on, I can create something very refined.

When you approach two best friends, whether they’re male or female, old or young, and you let them know, look, the reason why I want to photograph you is because I can tell you two are really close and you really love each other—that makes it a lot easier. That opens them up, you know? It’s important to me to just show that love, that connection.

Jamel Shabazz: Faces and Places, 1980–2023

June 2–September 2023 at Brooklyn Museum-New York

Artist’s Eye: Jamel Shabazz on Faces and Places, 1980–2023

Thursday, July 27, 2023

7–8 pm

Click here for more information.