East Village resident Kika seen (top) in 1999 and 2019. Photos by Michael Berman
Back in 1999, photographer Michael Berman wandered the streets of Manhattan with his camera, asking strangers if he could take their photos.
Many of those he met lived or worked in the East Village. Some were just New Yorkers passing through, caught in a fleeting moment.
Two decades later, Berman has located many of those same people and photographed them again.
The resulting series, "'99 SNAPSHOTS," is currently on display at the 14th Street Y's Lobby Gallery (344 E. 14th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue) through Sept. 29.
The exhibit presents double portraits of 18 people, side by side: their younger selves on the cusp of the millennium and their present-day selves, reflecting the passage of time in a city that never stops moving.
"Exploring the lives and perspectives of this multifaceted slice of our community conveys a timeless — and timely — message: We can learn from anyone we encounter," Berman said in a news release about the exhibit. "The hope is that this exhibition will inspire you to meet new people, connect with them, and spend some time listening."
The portraits are part of a larger documentary film and photography project that Berman has been working on since 2017, also called "'99 SNAPSHOTS." You can find a sneak preview of the film here.
At its core, the project explores what it means to live in New York, and how stories of individual lives — when viewed together — can help bridge the divides of a fractured time.
A reception with Berman is happening tonight (Sept. 4!) at 7. The event is free and open to everyone.
Berman started his career shooting for Brooklyn community newspapers before joining the New York Daily News. Over the years, his work has appeared in magazines, restaurants, shops, schools, nonprofits, and throughout the city.
With "'99 SNAPSHOTS," Berman revisits the images that launched his career, reconnecting with the people who influenced not just his work — but also the city itself.
You can follow Berman on Instagram at this link.
Below, Brian (an EV resident) and Susan — 1999 and 2019...
Jennifer and Bob (aka Bleecker Bob) — 1999 and 2017 ...
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