The End Of Paralysis

1. Ignition - Madison Square Park, Gramercy

This whole thing started as a joke. On our trip to New York in mid-2015, J and I were making a concerted effort to take as many “candid” photos as possible. I didn’t like the lighting in a couple of my early shots so I flicked on one of the black and white filters. J would laugh at the artsy affectation and I’d joke that these were going in the exhibition. I knew that obviously wasn’t my speed but I still wanted to do something with them. This project went through several different forms over a period of two years even before the Trump of it all. Then it changed again. 

Trump’s America is a vastly different beast to the foreign observer, literally, symbolically and metaphorically. He has done damage and he has the power to do so much more, but a president is not his people. The fight has already begun but there is much work to be done. Resistance, rebellion, these ideas and actions must extend to our ideals, our humility and our inextinguishable hope.

“Rebellions are built on hope.”

What follows is more or less true, and I present it here because as a foreigner who has always looked to the great imperfect shining beacon of America, the symbol must remain untarnished. For the sake of dreams and hope, it is still a symbol that can inspire greatness. It has, and always will be, tragically flawed. Just like us. 

What follows is the continuing love story. What follows is only the beginning.

“I still love you though, New York.”

To be enjoyed in sequence and in full screen. For an added experience, play this in the background.

[All photos copyright Mac Robinson]

2. First Night - Saint Mark’s Place, East Village

“Buona sera, miei giovani amici.”

3. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Shake Shack, Madison Square Park, Gramercy

“I think we just enjoy things more than other people.”

4. In Through The Out Door - Amor y Amargo, E 6th Street, East Village

“Cocktails?”

5. That Sweet, Sweet Black Gold - Bluebird Coffee Shop, E 1st Street, East Village

He looks at the kid like he’s crazy.

6. A Secret We’re Undeserving Of - On The Move, NoHo

7. A Palpable Positivity - On The Move, Little Italy

8. Undiminished Sarcasm And Wonder - The Garret (above the 5 Guys), Bleecker Street, West Village

“What do you think?” I ask.

9. Fat Cat Lingers On - Dudley’s, Orchard Street, Lower East Side

10. Necessary Evils - On The Move, Flatiron

11. Death & The Maiden - The lobby of The Ace Hotel, W 29th Street, Korea Town

12. Afternoon Libations - Alphabet City Beer Company, Avenue C, Alphabet City

13. One Day. Here. With Me. - 178 Ludlow Street, Lower East Side

14. On The House - Sweet Chick, Ludlow Street, Lower East Side

“You guys here on holiday?”

15. A Make Believe Weekend Routine - On The Move, Union Square

16. Well-Advertised Secrets - The Campbell Apartment, Grand Central Station

“Well that was disappointingly easy...”

“Should we look for the Vanderbilt Courts instead?”