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Untitled

Date1959

Mediumvintage gelatin silver print

DimensionsSheet: 11 × 14 inches (27.9 × 35.6 cm)
Matted: 16 × 20 inches (40.6 × 50.8 cm)

Portfolio/Series"Brooklyn Gang" series

MarkingsFaded black rectangular stamp on the back top right: "MAGNUM / PHOTO LIBRARY PRINT / NEW YORK. / ______ [handwritten in pencil and crossed through "21075"] / LOG REF: _____ [handwritten in pencil and crossed through "102240" and "44076" not crossed through] / TO BE RETURNED."

Credit LineGift of an anonymous donor.

Object number2018.16.13

On View

Not on view

Copyright© Bruce Davidson The images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextIn the spring of 1959, at the age of 25, Bruce Davidson still looked young enough to hang out with “The Jokers,” a group of teenagers from Brooklyn. After the self-proclaimed gang was featured in a newspaper article detailing their misdeeds, Davidson felt a keen desire to meet them. He wrote that he “found [himself] involved with a group of unpredictable youths who were mostly indifferent to me. In time they allowed me to witness their fear, depression, and anger. I soon realized that I, too, was feeling some of their pain. In staying close to them, I uncovered my own feelings of failure, frustration, and rage.” Davidson is known for his empathetic photographs that are borne out of genuine interest in his subjects and desire to remain with his subjects for long periods of time. He does not just enter their lives for the sake of a good photograph but works to earn their trust. Known as a street photographer, Davidson’s knack for finding subjects to explore and inhabit led to some of the most engaging photographic series of the 20th century. Text written for 'Youthful Adventures: Growing Up in Photography' on view September 18, 2020-April 18, 2021.

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