In this conversation, photographer Jamel Shabazz shares his journey capturing the essence of 1980s New York City. Known for his impactful street photography, he discusses how life experiences inspire his work and influence social change. He dives into his book, "A Time Before Crack," exploring its significance for his community. Jamel emphasizes the power of dialogue in photography, turning encounters into meaningful connections. His dedication to mentorship highlights the role of art in healing and uplifting individuals affected by trauma.
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Early Photography Roots
Jamel Shabazz grew up around photography through his father's influence and family albums, sparking early interest.
His curiosity and respect for subjects guided his approach to documenting life in Brooklyn and beyond.
insights INSIGHT
Dialogue Before Photography
Curiosity led Jamel to engage deeply with subjects, starting conversations before photographing them.
Respect and relationship building were central, making his images a visual diary of meaningful connections.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Transitioning to Full-Time Photography
Jamel balanced his corrections job with photography until retiring in 2003 to pursue art full-time.
His breakthrough came when his first book was accepted and became a bestseller almost overnight, launching his career.
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Jamel Shabazz's "A Time Before Crack" is a powerful photographic project that documents the lives of individuals in New York City before the devastating impact of the crack epidemic. The book's images capture a sense of community, hope, and resilience, contrasting sharply with the harsh realities of the drug crisis. Shabazz's work serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of addiction and its impact on families and communities. The book's impact lies in its ability to humanize the victims of the epidemic, offering a glimpse into their lives before addiction took hold. It serves as a testament to the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
Heart of Darkness
Joseph Conrad
Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, is a novella that examines the horrors of Western colonialism. The story is narrated by Marlow, who recounts his journey as a riverboat captain for a Belgian trading company in the Congo. Marlow's journey takes him deep into the African jungle, where he encounters the enigmatic and brutal ivory trader Kurtz. The novella delves into themes of power dynamics, morality, and the psychological impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. It is a landmark of modern fiction, known for its narrative and symbolic power, as well as its acute psychological penetration[2][3][5].
America in black and white
Stephan Thernstrom
Abigail Thernstrom
In this episode of PhotoWork, host Sasha Wolf has a deeply moving conversation with renowned photographer Jamel Shabazz. They talk about his lifelong love for photography and how he uses it to make a social impact. Jamel opens up about how his life experiences have shaped his approach to art and hard work. The episode also covers his book, “A Time Before Crack,” and its importance to his community at the time. It's a heartfelt conversation that goes beyond just photography. Tune in to hear the insights and stories from a photographer passionate about making a difference.
Jamel Shabazz is best known for his iconic photographs of New York City during the 1980s. A documentary, fashion, and street photographer, he has authored 12 monographs and contributed to over three dozen other photography related books. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and his work is housed within the permanent collections of The Whitney Museum, The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Fashion Institute of Technology, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Getty Museum.
Over the years, Shabazz has instructed young students at the Studio Museum in Harlem’s “Expanding the Walls” project, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture “Teen Curator’s” program, and the Bronx Museum’s “Teen Council.” He is also the 2018 recipient of the Gordon Parks award for excellence in the arts and humanitarianism and the 2022 awardee of the Gordon Parks Foundation/Steidl book prize. Jamel is also a member of the photo collective Kamoinge, and a board member of En Foco, another photo collective. His goal as an artist is to contribute to the preservation of world history and culture.
PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf 
