i've been peakin at boogie's photos for a few years, they're the underbelly of nyc and some european countries as well.

In response to "Yea, I guess...":

"Ok, so a guy takes pedestrian (no pun itntended) photos of individuals doing things that go on in my community/block/building every day and the next stop is a museum?"

Why is it an invalid claim? First, his stuff is not in museums--to my knowledge--based on the fact that Jake clearly states "...in ten years, they're going to be putting his stuff up in the museums." Meaning Jake hopes this guy gets recognition. He's decent. Gallery worthy. But not too sure about museums; he's not a Walker Evans, Ruth Orkin or Helen Levitt at this point.

But also, why is it acceptable to have oil paintings of the rich/powerful in a musuem but not everyday life.

In the great scheme of things, when I look back on NYC in the year 2005 I don't think staring at portraits of George Pataki, Mike Bloomberg or even George W. Bush would make me think back wistfully about the era. Seeing pictures of everyday street life--the good, the bad and the ugly--speaks more to the daily experience of life than anything else.

I thought these were photos were beautifully disturbing. Thanks for sharing this site Jake, it's something that's ugly but needs to be shown.

Ok, so a guy takes pedestrian (no pun itntended)photos of individuals doing things that go on in my community/block/building every day and the next stop is a museum?

Sounds to me like Mr. Jake just either was given or bought on the cheap a large collection of these works of art and is looking for a pay day in the distant future.

Plugola is a very bad word -- even on the internet.

Just my small opinion, of course...

"that most corner newsstands/grocery stores in this city are really... Well figure it out."

They are really what? Why dont you tell me.

dreideldreideldreideldreidel...c'mon man..dreideldreideldreideldreidel

Far from me to defend Jake (without a doubt) but the fact is that Hasidic culture is as hidden to most people in this world as drug culture. Considering the picture used on this post as being taken in Bushwick, it makes sense that drugs and Hasidim would be mixed. Because it's worlds that are hidden and next-door to each other. And that's an interesting reality few peope want to admit.

I don't think it's racism in any way. It's documenation of the unseen. Simple as that.

If you're offended by that reality, you might be shocked that most corner newsstands/grocery stores in this city are really... Well figure it out.

"C'mon, man, help me out! Just one Torah scroll, man! I need my fix! I'll pay you next week, I promise..."

religion is the opiate of the masses

offensive to whom?

it's true, those are four of his major subjects, and they are all a part of the hidden city we don't see every day. no judgement was made or intended in the list-- it's just a statement of fact.

not to mention mildly offensive

hahaha, me three on the hasidim...

That's funny, sp - i thought the same exact ting.

haha, I love how Hasidim are lumped in with gangs, prostitutes and drug users.