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Today marks the release of photographer Anderson Zaca’s new book, Block Party: NYC Soul of Summer, a collection of black and white images the artist has been gathering from 2006-2013 that depict the little-known tradition of city locals. With nothing but curiosity, a 35mm camera, and an audio recorder in hand, the Brazilian born photographer visited more than 200 block parties across the boroughs, from the Bronx to Brooklyn.
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“I kept going every weekend and I was intrigued by the small differences, how each of the blocks celebrate their uniqueness and gauging how willing they are to open themselves up,” reflects Zaca. “In some of the neighborhoods I went to in East New York, people did not want me to be there and then there were other places, like New Lots, where I was received with open arms.” He captures these pure, utterly human moments and interactions in each image, paying just homage to the city’s historic tradition. The use of black and white frames individual memories, further connecting the photos to a nostalgia for simpler times and a deep-rooted communal history; one of world’s largest cities feels like familiar soil through the artist’s lens. A collection of “the youth and the elderly, dominoes and cards, open fire hydrants and the infamous NYC grill,” Block Party is a local gem that documents the simplest, and perhaps greatest, joys of life. Don’t miss Zaca’s book release tomorrow, June 6 2015 from 12 to 4 pm in Brooklyn, NY between St Marks Ave and Brooklyn Ave. Buy the book here.
block party nyc soul of summer
