JOHN DELANEY: Hoboken Passing

from the series Hoboken Passing
Photograph (c) John Delaney

from the series Hoboken Passing
Photograph (c) John Delaney

from the series Hoboken Passing
Photograph (c) John Delaney

from the series Hoboken Passing
Photograph (c) John Delaney

"My love of photography began when I discovered Irving Penn's Worlds in a Small Room. Penn's work, as well that of Bruce Davidson, sparked my creative imagination. I attended Rochester Institute of Technology where I was taught the science and history of photography. But my real education began at the Richard Avedon Studio. I started as his studio assistant then eventually became his master printer. For 15 years I observed his passion, intelligence and meticulous craftsmanship.

That relationship opened the door to working with my original heroes, Irving Penn and Bruce Davidson. Each of these masters informs and inspires my work. Mr. Penn for his wide range and love for the exquisite print; Davidson for the way he immerses himself in his subject, instilling trust; and Avedon with his intense preparation and skillful cajoling, getting behind the "masks" of his subjects." –John Delaney

Hoboken Passing
A Limited Edition Portfolio

Hoboken Passing

A Portfolio of eighteen pigment ink prints printed in a limited edition of twenty-five with two artist’s and two printer’s proofs. The prints were produced with archival pigment inks printed on Canson Plantine Fiber Rag.

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"Hoboken Passing explores the survivors of a neighborhood in transition. Through the eyes of the old establishment family business owners and workers, I aim to better understand what defines a neighborhoods identity or uniqueness.

With these portraits I aim to reflect and celebrate a community's distinct character. Hoboken, New Jersey charmed me when I first moved here in the winter of 2007. Sitting in the shadow of Manhattan, Hoboken is only a mile square and has a long and proud history. I grew particularly fond of the old Mom & Pop shops that I encountered. Many of these establishments have existed for generations and within their walls I found a quiet contemplation of a cherished history.

Hoboken’s older family businesses are succumbing to the changing economy and are closing their doors. They are inevitably being replaced by the ever ubiquitous national chain store.

As an portrait artist, my method of working consists of walking the streets, camera in hand, and visiting. Conversation and quiet observation are the foundation of my creative process. Respect and mutual trust between myself and the subject are vital for this series. It was important that the personality of the subject directed the sitting and that the subject and environment combined to tell the story together.

A recurring theme of my photography is the effort to record what is vanishing from our collective memory - a way of living, a tradition, or trade. I try to capture the fleeting present so that we can honor that which is deeply rooted in our past." –John Delaney

John Delaney lives and works in New York City. He received his Masters in Digital Photography from the School of Visual Arts in 2012. He was the recipient of the Discovery of the Year at the 2008 Lucie/IPA Awards and is a 2012 Critical Mass 100 Finalist.

JOHN DELANEY PHOTOGRAPHY