Adriana Palmer
Walking through New York City today, it’s easy to forget how different it looked and felt in the late 20th century. Carrie Boretz’s photographs capture the city’s vibrant energy, its struggles, and the everyday lives of its people during this transformative time.
Boretz’s photo book, “STREET: New York City – 70s, 80s, 90s,” isn’t about flashy landmarks or famous faces. Instead, it focuses on the heart and soul of the city: its neighborhoods and the people who lived there. Her photos take us on a journey through the streets of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, revealing the city’s gritty reality and raw beauty.
New York in the 70s: A City on the Brink
The 1970s were a time of turmoil for New York. The city faced a financial crisis, high crime rates, and a crumbling infrastructure. Yet, amidst the chaos, life went on. Boretz’s photos from this era show us a city struggling but still full of life. We see kids playing in the streets, vendors selling their wares, and ordinary people going about their daily routines. These images remind us that even in the toughest of times, the human spirit endures.
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The 80s: A Time of Change and Contradictions
The 1980s brought significant changes to New York City. The city began to recover from its financial crisis, but the gap between rich and poor widened. Wall Street boomed, while many neighborhoods continued to struggle. Boretz’s photos capture these contradictions. We see images of opulence and excess alongside scenes of poverty and hardship. This juxtaposition highlights the city’s complex social landscape and the challenges it faced.
The 90s: A New Era Begins
The 1990s saw New York City enter a new era. Crime rates dropped, and the city’s image began to change. Boretz’s photos from this time show us a city in transition. We see signs of renewal and gentrification, as well as lingering remnants of the city’s grittier past. This mix of old and new creates a fascinating visual narrative of a city evolving.
The People of New York
Throughout her work, Boretz focuses on the people of New York City. She captures the diversity of its inhabitants, from the well-heeled to the homeless. Her photos show us the faces of the city – the workers, the tourists, the artists, and the eccentrics. These images tell stories of resilience, struggle, and hope. They remind us that New York City is not just a place, but a collection of human experiences.
Boretz’s keen eye for detail and her ability to capture candid moments make her photos come alive. We see kids playing stickball in the street, couples sharing a tender moment on a park bench, and street vendors hawking their goods. These everyday scenes paint a vivid picture of life in New York City during this unique period.
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