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Photo Urbanism Fellow Travis Roozée's photographs of the dramatic Jamaica Bay landscape–including migratory birds, backyard canals, airport runways, subways and restored grasslands–were exhibited at the Museum of the City of New York from Feb - Apr 2007.
In October 2005, the Design Trust awarded the third Photo Urbanism Fellowship to Travis Roozée for his exploration of Jamaica Bay, Queens. Over the course of one year, Mr. Roozée photographed the bay's dramatic landscape and the historic communities established there to harvest the bay's natural resources. His focus on the people of this place, on traces of the area's past, and the cyclical drama of the seasons has resulted in an elegiac portrait of a little-known and distinctive New York City community.
Mr. Roozée's elegant photographs of people, architecture and seasonal beauty reveal the intricate connections that give Jamaica Bay its identity as a living example of New York City history. The resulting photographic essay went on view at the Museum of the City of New York from February 10 to April 23, 2007. An opening reception with the artist was held on Wednesday, February 14, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
"The bay supports colonies of migratory birds, backyard canals, airport runways, restored grasslands, and the A train, with the Manhattan skyline just scratching the horizon. Mr. Roozée’s elegant photographs of people, architecture and seasonal beauty reveal the intricate connections that give Jamaica Bay its identity as a living example of New York City history." [excerpt from the Museum's press release]
About Photo Urbanism
Photography plays an integral role in the examination, discussion, and re-imagining of New York City’s public spaces. Photo Urbanism, an ongoing program of the Design Trust, encourages this fundamental urban planning tool by offering fellowships to photographers to document the city’s built and natural environment.
The Museum of the City of New York presents and interprets the past, present, and future of New York City and celebrates its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. Founded in 1923 as a private, non-profit corporation, the Museum serves the people of New York and visitors from across the country and around the world through exhibitions, collections, publications, and school and public programs.
The exhibition was co-sponsored by the Museum of the City of New York, with additional support provided by Kodak, Paul and Ulla Warchol, and Paul Warchol Photography. This exhibition was curated by Donald Albrecht and Thomas Mellins, in collaboration with Deputy Director Megan Canning.
The past is so palpable here - the same families whose ancestors settled in this community over three-hundred years ago still have homes here, and fishing and boating continue to have a strong impact on the cultural life today.