Jamel Shabazz Goes Underground to Find the Soul of His Photography

In MoMA and UNIQLO’s new Art for All video series, we delve into an artist’s process and inspirations to reveal connections between art and life. Here, street photographer Jamel Shabazz talks about the influence of his own father, the work of Leonard Freed, and the people of New York City.

“Street photography is a way of life,” says Shabazz, best known for his vibrant images of everyday people on New York City’s streets and subway. We visited his home studio for a guided tour through four decades of images and rare insights into his process. Then we ventured onto the subway, where Shabazz reunited with familiar faces and recreated one of his most iconic images.

“It’s not about me,” he says. “I’m just a vessel using my position to freeze time and then thaw the moments out later on so people can see them and heal, rejuvenate, or just celebrate.”

UNIQLO is MoMA’s proud partner of #ArtForAll.