Summer Groove

Archival Pigment Print

22 x 26

NFS

Browne’s current work-in-progress documents the image history of Harlem in this transitional time coined the “second renaissance.” Her photographs capture Harlem’s cultural essence and record aspects of its past that are still present at this time. She believes that it is urgent to photograph Harlem at the cusp of its transition before it is lost forever. Browne’s photograph captures the beauty and vibrancy our community gardens provide as cultural outdoor spaces for neighbors to enjoy art, music, nature, food, and social/community events. Set at the Hope Steven Garden on Hamilton Place, the photograph features live musicians and, in the background, murals created and painted by Eva Cockroft in 1986 as an alternative to the nearby mural (at the time) “Crack is Whack.” Its history includes the artist’s use of the building’s textured stucco walls as a means to utilize the famous Seurat pointillism in her murals called “Homage to Seurat: La Grande Jatte in Harlem.” The murals were selected in a competitive federal urban mural restoration program and were completely restored in 2009. The photograph captures a summertime music event in the garden with the elegant and historical murals set in the background.
Note: The garden is currently temporarily closed until the stucco wall areas above the murals are repaired. The stucco is falling making it unsafe on the sidewalks and in the garden.

West Harlem has been my home for over 30 years and during that time my photographic endeavors have continued to develop. I'm still inspired by the iconic Harlem community history, the people and the amazing historic architecture. There's a feeling of history in the present. the black and  Latin community with its vibrant arts and cultural essence is still ever present yet each day a new act of gentrification would threaten that cohesive existence I see and weep as though I were born and raised in Harlem.