Extended Deadline Announced! Enter by September 18th!

Jamel Shabazz on Street Photography

The Museum of Modern Art PROJECT
Jamel Shabazz on Street Photography by The Museum of Modern Art

credits

Title
  • Jamel Shabazz on Street Photography
Entrant
  • The Museum of Modern Art

About This Project

Summary

This video profiles legendary street photographer Jamel Shabazz as he reflects on four decades of capturing life in New York City. Filmed in his home studio, Shabazz shares his influences, philosophy, and creative process. The video culminates in a powerful reunion, as he reconnects with two subjects from an iconic image 43 years later. We released the video on YouTube as the first episode in a new series, Art for All, profiling New York artists.

Goals & Objectives

This was the first episode of a new series, Art for All, profiling New York artists reflecting on the purpose and struggles behind their work. We wanted to convey art as a powerful tool to evoke empathy, foster connection, and inspire new ways of seeing through an intimate, verité style.

Results & Impact

The video received 75.8K views, brought new audiences to our YouTube channel (1724 subscribers), sparked emotional responses (95 comments ranging from praise to a call for more artist profiles), and renewed appreciation for street photography as a tool for cultural preservation.

the team

Alexandra Warner
  • Director/Producer
  • The Museum of Modern Art
Liz Yong Lowe
  • Production Manager
  • The Museum of Modern Art
Bradley Virshup
  • Director of Photography
Jake Robbins
  • Editor
Jack Kelly
  • B Camera/gaffer
Rachel Suffian
  • Sound Mixer
Jonathan Logan
  • Production Assistant