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Based in Woodside, Queens, Richard Alicea has been documenting city tradition for over 4 many years. We initially met over our shared ardour for graffiti and lately reconnected after a ten-year hiatus. I used to be delighted to have the chance to interview Richard, who had launched me to such graffiti pioneers as Flint and the late Mico.
When did you first maintain a digicam in your hand with the intent of capturing a picture?
Back in 1976, my brother gave me my first digicam. The first picture that I keep in mind capturing was contained in the GG practice in Court Square, LIC. I’ve since had a number of copies of that exact picture signed by nearly everybody who’s made a mark on NYC’s graffiti tradition!
What type of digicam did you utilize again then? And what digicam do you utilize now?
Back then I used a Fuji. These days Panasonic LUMIX is the digicam of my alternative.
You have since produced a powerful physique of labor. Is there a central theme that ties your work collectively?
My principal curiosity is the city surroundings – the artwork on the streets, the varied cultural heritage celebrations and NYC’s distinct structure.
Have you ever formally studied images? Or was there a detailed buddy or relative who influenced you?
Just about everybody in my household was obsessed with images. But I did research images again in 1981 at New York Technical College. And a selected affect was Mycal Watts. A photographer and Vietnam veteran, Mycal has invited me to picture shoots at his Woodside studio.
Is there something about your explicit heritage that impacted you as a photographer?
My household raised me to honor my Puerto Rican heritage. And I considerably naturally started to understand and respect different cultures, significantly these with shut household bonds.
What drew you to graffiti and concrete artwork?
I used to be drawn to it the second I noticed it. Its enchantment to me was instantaneous! Living in Woodside, I didn’t see a lot in my speedy neighborhood. But it started to floor within the 70s in close by neighborhoods and alongside the 7 line. And I used to be particularly impacted by the books that have been printed within the 80s.
How has your images developed within the final decade?
I’ve extra endurance than I used to have. With digicam in hand, I’ll wait till I can get the most effective seize potential in a selected setting. And although I proceed to deal with the artwork that surfaces on the streets, I’ve begun to focus extra on town’s total tradition, significantly parades.
What are a number of the challenges you’ve confronted whereas attempting to seize a selected second?
People might be suspicious of me! They’re not fairly certain what I’m after!
How lengthy do you typically spend on the enhancing course of?
After every picture session, I’ll spend anyplace between one to 2 hours enhancing.
How vital is the viewer’s response to you?
I’d like folks to love what I do. But I perceive why some of us could not.
How has your loved ones responded to your ardour for images?
They adore it. They significantly like watching me work together with different folks whom they don’t know.
Are there any locations outdoors NYC that you simply haven’t photographed however wish to?
I’d wish to make my approach to Wynwood, Miami.
Have you ever tried to market your images?
No. I’ve simply been following my ardour.
How do you resolve which photographs to share on social media?
I edit the photographs I like, after which it’s type of random which of them I select to share.
Do you’ve any favourite photographers?
My favorites embody road photographer Ira Berger, hip-hop tradition documentarian Ernie Paniccioli and Mycal Watts.
Do any explicit recollections stand out?
9/11. I vividly keep in mind watching the primary tower fall from the place I used to be standing in Whitestone and taking photographs that night from the Brooklyn Promenade. I really raced residence earlier than dusk, involved that town may difficulty an government order proscribing driving.
Having documented New York City for many years, what are a number of the greatest modifications you’ve witnessed within the metropolis?
Massive high-risers are reshaping neighborhoods like Long Island City, whereas mega-chains constantly exchange conventional mom-and-pop shops.
How can of us view your photographs?
They can observe me on Instagram and on Facebook.
What’s forward?
I’d love to have the ability to predict the long run, however I can’t!
Interview carried out and edited by Lois Stavsky
All photographs © Richard Alicea
- Suitswon, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 2017
- GG practice, Court Square, Long Island City, 1976, signatures on this explicit copy of picture accomplished 2019
- 5Pointz, Long Island City, circa 2011
- Crash One at The Point CDC within the Bronx, 2018
- Cope2 on the Graffiti Hall of Fame, East Harlem, 2024
- Martha Cooper and Eddie Rodriguez aka Snake 1, Chinatown, NYC 2014
- Argentine stencil artist Cabaio Spirito on the Bushwick Collective, 2018
- Cey Adams at Welling Court, 2014
- The MTA Corona Yard,
- Richard Alicea, Selfie
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