Where is the money at. That’s a question we often ask in this capitalistic society. It makes and breaks us, encourages us and corrupts us. It is the root of evil and root to freedom. As an observer of the streets of New York everything comes at a cost and everyone is playing the game of capitalism by default. Even myself as a street vendor it is essential for me to make money to fund my supplies and pursue photography. My goal in this newsletter is not to say what is right or wrong or tell you how to look at things its just give truth and perspective which is the goal for this, to give my audience a more in depth look into my work and process.
Since 2020 billions of dollars where cycled through the system through stimulus checks and unemployment benefits. The influx of money lead to an inflation of the dollar giving it less value and the need to have more money for something that may have seemed less in the past. Currently we have tariffs and international event affecting the dollar and economy.
Money is always volatile going up and down. Shannon is holding his dollar symbolizing his gambling issue from his past where he gained and lost money. 2021
The goal of this article is not necessarily to speak on money but the way it affect people our interactions and actions here in New York City. On a racial level to speak on the obvious polarity within communities of color and its connection to homelessness/ poverty and well being.
Man is asking for money Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY. 2024
The lack of money or opportunity to get money leads many to find or earn it in ways of the streets as a vendor including myself. Though there is no guarantee to what you will make its is a respected and legal way of income and I have met many people on the streets who work with dignity to do so.
Eric selling water bottle Fulton st/ Nostrand Brooklyn, NY. 2023
Chef AB selling fresh watermelon Fulton st Brooklyn, NY. 2025
Louis Mendes selling instant photographs. 2023
New York City glamorizes the aesthetic arounds money. It is respected to participate in the act of capitalism. To have money or things arounds it is a ticket to do virtually anything.
Man counts bills under umbrella. 2024
Man showing his dollar sign tattoo. 2024
Man with sign asking for spare change in cup. 2021
In the streets there is obvious polarity in people on a multitude of things. Lower class, middle class, and upper class roaming the same streets flickering through different realities. There is often a passive behavior to those who are homeless and going through extreme levels of poverty from people many walking right pass men/ women with no regard or gaze. I myself have been guilty of this ignoring someone obviously suffering from lack of resource.
Man slouching on street as man passes by him no regard or interest. 2024
Man sleeping on bus bench Nostrand Ave Brooklyn, NY. 2024
The money in this world affect us in many ways on the streets it is a obvious factor in the way society moves and functions. I would say its is one of the main factors in how we act and interact with each other and it influences all that we do here in New York City.