Seis Del Sur Closes at Bronx Documentary Center

March 9, 2013. After 56 days, the Seis Del Sur exhibition at Bronx Documentary Center closed with an Artists Talk and Party. Every inch of space was occupied by an engrossed crowd. People sat on chairs, the floor and stood on all horizontal surfaces. When space ran out, they watched from the sidewalk ! There were photos asking to be made in every direction.

Ricky Flores, Edwin Pagan, Joe Conzos Jr, Angel Franco, David Gonzalez and Francisco Molina Reyes II. Los Seis shared their thoughts on their work and life journey. These few words do not do justice to what transpired in the white walled gallery last Saturday night. Hopefully, the photos will give you some sense of it. After the sharing by Los Seis, Jesús Papoleto Meléndez ("Papo") the world famous poet and one of the original founders of the Nuyorican Movement spoke and recited inspiring poetry. The Artist talk part of the evening was brought to a close by Grammy nominee Bobby Sonabria who delighted the crowd with Latin Jazz History and anecdotes from his youth growing up in our beloved borough of The Bronx.

Thank you Ricky Flores, Edwin Pagan, Joe Conzos Jr, Angel Franco, David Gonzalez, Francisco Molina Reyes II, Danielle Jackson and Mike Kamber for letting me document a part of your journey.

Postcards From the Edge, 2013: Benefit Sale, First day

As a personal project, this January I dedicated some time to documenting Postcards From the Edge. Here is the first set of photographs, more to come. Today Sunday January 27, I am going to be documenting the last day and take down of the show.

Seis Del Sur Preparations at BDC Jan 17

Yesterday I spent the evening at the Bronx Documentary Center. Preparations for the Seis Del Sur exhibition that opens tomorrow on Jan 19 were in full swing. I know for a fact that we are in for a Visual and Puerto Rican culinary feast. There is talk of rivers of beer flowing! By the way, I have heard a rumor that kissing the 6 photographers will automatically enter you into a raffle for a 5Dmarkiii.

Postcards From The Edge

For the last 3 years, Ben Stock a good friend has been patiently and gently reminding me about “PostCards From the Edge” a benifit for Visual AIDS. After sitting on my hands for 2 years! I finally took part.

Its not everyday that one gets to show art at the famous Cheim & Read gallery in Chelsea Manhattan! This year, more than 1440 artists took part in the 14th annual “Postcards From The Edge” The photographs were made during the preview party on Friday Jan 6th. The line to get into the gallery was about half a city block long! Press did not have to wait in line. Note to self: Organize my NYPD press Pass.

Gracious Volunteer members of The Imperial Court of New York hosted a flawless preview with flowing wine.

The way it works:
Some very famous artists take part in Postcards From The Edge. The 6”X4” art is displayed anonymously. Contributing artists get in free but others pay $85 each for the preview party. The party is the only time when one can view all the art on the walls. There is a silent auction for some selected works and a raffle for first choice of art on the walls.

People lineup early on Saturday to pickup 6”X4” art at $85 each. If they have done their homework right, they walk away with creations from famous artists. Some big name artists disguise their work and some don’t. Chances are, some lucky art connoisseur picked up a Jeff Koons for $85!

“Visual AIDS utilizes art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists, and preserving a legacy, because AIDS is not over.“ I quote Visual AIDS mission statement. Cick here to read more about them.

Tree Lighting in Norwood

This year on December 15th the weather Gods were kind and gave us spring like temperatures. Community Board 7 residents came out in large numbers for the ceremony. Over the last few years I have made photos of my neighbors at various community events. It is a privilege to document the growing up of our children and new additions to families and our community. Due to the Magical nature of Norwood, the adults are not adding years just wisdom!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a very Happy and Prosperous 2012.

Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe in Norwood

10 days ago on a Sunday, live music from the street made its way into our living room. Curiosity insisted that the whole family investigate. 60 feet below at street level, we observed a colorful procession of people in traditional costumes, carrying icons of the Virgin Mary and flowers, lots of flowers. At the back of the parade was a predominantly wind and percussion band. Curiously, unlike the rest of the parade, the band was mostly devoid of color. They made up for it with their enthusiastic music.

Camera in hand, I gave chase down Tryon Avenue and finally caught up with my neighbors at the Woodlawn cemetery. The procession with a police escort, meandered through the neighborhood before culminating at St. Ann’s Church on Bainbridge Avenue. I would like to thank my fellow Norwood residents, for letting me document them celebrating their faith with their families. It was a moving experience for me.

Tree Lighting at Fordham Road

Compared to the past, this year the turn out at The Fordham road BID tree lighting event was much larger. Santa and New York City comptroller John C. Liu were among the many officials present. As always, it was a pleasure making photographs of my fellow Bronx residents.