I think the age difference plays a role in the desperation of homeless people in NYC and Toronto. Without knowing someone's situation, it is often easy to see the countless years of struggle and pain etched on the face of an older man or woman. The same struggles do not exist on a younger person. So desperation is much more prevalent in NYC.
I love the contrast here [in this photo]:
Park Avenue has some of the nicest buildings in NYC. Most are businesses, but a few apartments line this very busy part of the city. It's not uncommon to see a homeless person on the same corner as an affluent business person. And the lack of attention is remarkable. As if this woman does not exist.
Would you call it indifference, or something more negative?
Indifference is probably the right word. Most affluent people would prefer the homeless get a job and or find a different corner to squat. The former is not as easy as the latter. As a culture, especially in NYC, we tend to think of the homeless as a non-entity.
This photo, sitting here by the trash, that definitely says non-entity:
This gentleman was sitting in this chair, apparently sleeping, for hours on end. I noticed him in the morning and then again when I snapped this photo later on in the afternoon. This is the only time I really wanted to ask what happened, but refrained. He was sitting on the corner of 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. Quite an ideal spot for foot traffic. And he is just as indifferent about the garbage as the pedestrians were about him. However, I will say he was getting his fair share of change.
Are you still photographing the homeless? Is the project a work in progress?
I don't think I'll ever stop and for several reasons. One, like the affluent, the homeless are very much a part of our society, and unlike the affluent, should not go unnoticed. I don't want to be known as the homeless photographer, rather someone who captures distinct moments in the life of a New Yorker, or Torontonian for that matter.
If I were to publish a book of my work, I don't think the homeless photos could stand on their own, at least not at the moment. Yet, even as I continue to take more photos of the homeless, it's the contrast in our daily lives that tells the entire story.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Nice interview, and a great find!
2 - Marcia L. Neil
As a tenant, figuring in other people's dreams and nightmares can become oppressive, more so when venturing outside to have fresh air -- perhaps the people want to be paid for their roles in daily fantasies.
3 - danny g
very cool.. great pics..J.G.
4 - Mama Lu
As always - great photos and a great interview.
5 - Chantal
I'm not really understanding comment #2....but thanks everyone...Jonathan is a huge talent!
6 - jezblog
great interview Chantal......yeah comment number2.....? I have occasionally given some money to people living in the street if I am photographing them..... but it completely changes any kind of rapport you can build with them...... people may think you should pay them....... but it is almost impossible to give money and then carry on photographing in the same area... if you are gonna interact with them.....and I understand why JG does not..... it somehow needs to be not as a punter who is about to give them cash..... Jez XX