Edward Hotchkiss
Edward Hotchkiss
STATION TO STATION: EXPLORING THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY
Hardcover
112 pages
70 Black & White Photographs
8.5 x 11 inches
Daylight Books
About the Book:
Photographer Ed Hotchkiss traveled to neighborhoods from the north Bronx to Rockaway; from the teeming center of Queens to the western edge of midtown. This unexpected odyssey resulted in a group of photographs that reveals the true humanity on the NYC subway.
Ed Hotchkiss has traveled to six continents, over 100 countries and every U.S. state. He specializes in photographing street life, urban and nature landscapes, musical events and night scenes.
Lawrence Weschler is an award winning writer with contributions to The New Yorker, The Atlantic, the New York Times Magazine, McSweeneys and The Believer.
Image by Edward Hotchkiss
Book review by Dana Stirling |
The NYC subway, opened underground back in 1904, is more than just a transportation network—it's a cultural icon. It embodies the diversity and energy of New York City, serving as a vital artery for millions of commuters for both locals and tourists alike. From its iconic stations to its role in art and film, the subway is woven into the fabric of the city's identity, reflecting its resilience and spirit of what makes NYC so unique. When we think of the city, we think of the Subway they go hand in hand - for better and for worse.
In his captivating photography book, Ed Hotchkiss embarks on an odyssey through the bustling veins of New York City's subway system. From the northern reaches of the Bronx to the beaches of Rockaway, Hotchkiss delves into the heart of the city, capturing the essence of its diverse neighborhoods and the vibrant souls that traverse its underground arteries.
Image by Edward Hotchkiss
Image by Edward Hotchkiss
Through a series of striking photographs, Hotchkiss unveils the raw humanity that pulsates within the subway's labyrinthine tunnels. Each image serves as a window into the lives of New Yorkers from all walks of life, offering a glimpse into their struggles, triumphs, and everyday moments of connection. Whether it's a candid portrait of a weary commuter lost in thought or a fleeting moment of camaraderie between strangers, each photograph tells a compelling story that transcends the confines of the subway car.
Hotchkiss's photographs serve as a poignant reminder of the humanity that unites us all, even in the most unlikely of places. The subway doesn’t care if you are rich, important, famous or just a regular joe. In that car you are just like everyone around you. You are trapped within these metal walls with strangers who now share your time and space all going towards the same direction in this random collection of coincidences.
Image by Edward Hotchkiss
Image by Edward Hotchkiss
Ed Hotchkiss masterfully employs dark black and white contrast imagery and unique angles to inject his photographs with a sense of depth and intensity. By embracing the stark contrast between light and shadow, he creates a striking visual language that amplifies the raw emotion and atmosphere captured within the subway's confines. Through his lens, ordinary scenes are transformed into captivating narratives, each frame revealing layers of meaning and emotion. Whether capturing the architectural grandeur of a station or the intimate interactions between commuters, his innovative approach to framing elevates each image, leaving an indelible impression on the viewer's mind.
This book is a celebration of culture, place and people. It celebrates New York City, one of the most talked about cities in the world. When you look at these images you can be in the subway even if sitting all away on the other side of the globe. You feel the energy of the city through these images and you become a commuter on this journey downtown.
