Aperture Foundation

On March 30, 2021, Aperture and Rockefeller Center hosted a discussion between esteemed photographer Jamel Shabazz and writer Tanisha C. Ford. Since the early 1980s, Shabazz has photographed New York’s street life and hip-hop culture with joy, verve, and style. His work not only captures the essence and pureness of hip-hop culture in New York, but also the deep connections he has with his subjects and community. For this event, Shabazz and Ford discussed Shabazz’s career, his lasting legacy, how quarantine has given him time to rediscover hidden gems in his archive, and the installation of work at Rockefeller Center through April.

One year after New York City shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aperture magazine released “New York,” an extraordinary issue honoring the city through photographs and essays by visionary artists and writers, reminding us of how much there is to discover, and relish, when New York comes roaring back. Coinciding with “New York” is a monthlong celebration of NYC at Rockefeller Center featuring a public photography exhibition, virtual talk series, pop-up store and gallery.

Programming for Aperture’s “New York” issue is made possible by and in collaboration with Rockefeller Center.