Jason and Marlene

Photography

16 x 20

$600

In my photography, I capture the vibrant intersection of fashion and community, set against a black backdrop that I call “Harlem Black” in front of a dilapidated building on the corner of West 116th Street and Manhattan Avenue in South Harlem. This location, just steps away from my home, provides a raw, evocative stage where high fashion meets everyday life. On weekends, I transform this urban space into a canvas where fashion models and Harlem locals converge. The contrast between the polished elegance of the fashion world and the rugged texture of the building’s decay speaks to the juxtaposition of aspiration and reality, glamour and grit. Each portrait is a dialogue between the elegance of the attire and the lived experience of the environment. The crumbling façade of the building serves as more than just a setting; it is a metaphor for the resilience and complexity of Harlem itself. This space, marked by time and transformation, embodies the spirit of a community that remains both deeply rooted in its history and dynamically evolving. Through my lens, I seek to honor the unique stories of the individuals I photograph and the neighborhood that surrounds them. My work is a celebration of Harlem’s enduring strength and the striking beauty found in contrasts. It is an invitation to explore the narrative woven into the fabric of everyday life, fashion, and the urban landscape.