Christian Bruer, 2017
New York City is perhaps the most photographed city in the world—and for good reason. Yet the photographic series New York City Black & White (N.Y.C.B&W), created in 2017, captures “the city that never sleeps” in a distinctly different way.
Although New York is known for its density and constant movement, the photographs of N.Y.C.B&W are almost entirely devoid of people. Instead, architecture, perspective, and atmosphere take center stage. When human figures do appear, they evoke a sense of isolation and estrangement—such as the man seated alone on a bench at the edge of the frame, turned away from the two passing pedestrians at the opposite side of the image in crossing.
Though photographed in 2017, several buildings appear to have slipped out of time—almost historical, antiquated, reminiscent of the early 19th century (flags, crossing, fire stairs). In sharp (and literal) contrast, other images feature hypermodern skyscrapers that draw their visual power from perspective, camera position, and the artificially heightened separation between structure and sky (clouds, 1wtc).
The absurdities of urban life also find their way into the series, as seen in ad, post no bills, and yes we can. Many of the photographs engage—subtly yet poignantly—with the contemporary realities of New York City: the cramped anonymity of existence in brown stone; the visual onslaught of advertising in ad; the entanglement of art and commerce symbolized by the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway in wall st; and, not least, the somber memory of 9/11 in the upward gaze toward the sky in in the sky.
The black-and-white reproduction and the frequent use of stark contrasts lend the photographs a distinctive intensity, accentuating the moods inherent in each image. N.Y.C.B&W is Christian Bruer’s second photographic series, following PermaNet365.
All images and texts © Christian Bruer. Use, modification (including by AI), or reproduction of any kind (digital, print, etc.) is strictly prohibited without written permission.
