“New York Said” is a multifaceted project that seeks to uncover, document, and preserve the often-overlooked “writing on the wall” found throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Over the past decade, Amon Focus has captured over 2,500 images, showcasing a diverse range of statements inscribed on an array of urban surfaces.
Complementing the visual aspect of the project, Amon Focus has delved into the city’s rich tapestry of voices through the “New York Said” interview series.
To date, he has conducted over 250 in-depth conversations with native and notable New Yorkers, capturing a wide spectrum of perspectives. Interviewees include American cartoonist Bob Mankoff, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz, graffiti pioneer ‘TAKI 183’, internationally-recognized and widely-respected peacemaker Erica Ford, acclaimed photographer Jay Maisel, documentary and street style photographer Jamel Shabazz, and Charlie Ahearn, the director of the classic hip-hop and graffiti film “Wild Stvle.”
Together, the photo series and interviews create a dynamic and immersive portrait of New York City, revealing its essence through the words, images, and stories that often go unnoticed.
