New York Changing – Revisiting Berenice Abbott’s New York
June 2 – July 2, 2005
Berenice Abbott’s Changing New York project captured a modern vision of Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs in the 1930s. From 1997 to 2003, Levere returned to the original sites with the identical 8×10 Century Universal camera that Abbott used, at the same time of day and year Abbott’s photographs were taken, revealing New York Changing over sixty years.
A chance glimpse at Abbott’s “Broadway near Broome Street” in Manhattan launched Levere’s project. As it happened, the location of the photograph was the doorstep of Levere’s SoHo loft. “It was the view I see walking out of my door every day,” Levere said. “I was mesmerized.” In an instant, the contrast between Abbott’s photograph and the image in his mind spoke volumes about the history of his neighborhood, and the generations who had made their lives in New York City.
The paired images produce a remarkable commentary on the evolution of New York City over several decades and encourage the viewer to consider the rate and meaning of progress. This juxtaposition of the past and present comes with obvious changes: the brownstone becomes a housing project, the neighborhood store becomes a skyscraper. Often, however, the encounter results in a more subtle reflection of the changing tides of our culture.