Outside Cultural Event #2

The second Outside Cultural Event that I attended was a collection of over 70 photographs by N. Jay Jaffee. This exhibition was located in the Library and was open to everyone. The exhibit included photos that were all black in white and were all taken in New York City during the 20^th century. The black in white photos truly astonished me because it felt as if I were actually there in that moment. The absence of color didn’t take away from the photo’s meaning; instead it gave a very authentic feel to the exhibit. Jaffee’s photographs mainly depict daily life around New York, he especially centered himself in capturing sides of different culture and values, while still drawing the importance of New York. My favorite photo was of a two boys playing with toy guns, called Boy with Mask and Gun. This was my favorite photo because even in 1955, when the photo was taken, kids were still doing what they are doing today; having fun. When I was younger I remember going outside and pretending to play war with my brothers, this photo reminded me of those memories and how even when times are changing, kids will be kids.

                Jaffee shot these photographs to almost create a time capsule of culture. He wanted future generations to see what times were like in the past. Whether they look the same or if they are completely different, we can connect to the photos. There are photos of everything from buildings and advertisement to people and their daily life’s, almost the same as it is today. I believe these photo’s are timeless and we can always look back in the past, and see the future.