David s Pictorial Journey Through Manhattan By David Kahane
Artist s Statement I entreat the viewer to look into the past. I want the viewer to look at these pictures and think of the places they ve traversed, of the places they ve ridden through, of the places they ve spoken in. I want them to think of the many others that have done those same things many decades ago in those very spots. If the viewer has ever been to or seen the places I ve photographed, I want them to think of the rich history and beauty of our city.
The Plaza Hotel 1924 : The Plaza Naked 2013 : The Plaza Covered The Plaza in 1924 stood alone amidst many of the buildings in the area. At this time period, conservation of nature was not as big as it is today. The 2013 shows how the efforts of a few individuals have transformed the area into an area of Manhattan that praises nature.
New York Public Library 1911: The Dominance of Literature 2013: The Decline of Literature The contrast between the old and new pictures of the library represent the quality and interest of literature of the past versus the commercialism and diminished interest of literature of the present.
Empire State Building 1942: We Stand as a Beacon of Hope 2013: We Still Stand The 1942 picture of the Empire State Building represents our entry into World War II and how America was a symbol of hope to the world. The 2013 picture represents America s continuous potential to be a symbol of hope to the world, even in its current decline.
Radio City Music Hall 1937: A Radio City 2013: Manhattan: An Internet City The picture of Radio City Music Hall in 1937 represents the popularity of radio in New York. The 2013 picture represents an era with a different form of technology conveying information through the airwaves.
Rockefeller Center 1937: The Shadowy Depression of the Rock 2013: The Golden Rock of Today The 1937 picture of Rockefeller Center represents the gloomy Great Depression. The 2013 picture represents the large change in wealth of the United States, as well as the things that make the building great, including the annual Christmas tree, ice skating, and observation deck.
Washington Arch 1921: The Gateway from War to a New Era 2013: The Gateway from War to a New Era The picture on the left represents the rise of New York after the conclusion of World War I. The picture on the right represents the conclusion of the War in Iraq and the beginning of a new era.
Columbus Circle 1910: Begin Searching 2013: Continue to Search The 1910 picture featuring the statue of Christopher Columbus in the center of everything symbolizes a booming country always on the verge of exploration and opportunity. The 2013 picture symbolizes the opportunity still within our grasp and New Yorkers on their way to greatness.
Acme for the New York Herald. 34 th street from 8 th avenue looking east towards the empire state building. 1942. Photograph. New-York Historical Society, 34178. H.N. Tiemann and Co. Columbus Circle, Broadway looking north from 60 th street, New York City, 1910. 1910. Photograph. New-York Historical Society, nyhs_pr129_b-06_255-01.jpg. Roege, William J. Fifth avenue near 8 th street, looking south towards Washington Square Arch, with pedestrians and double decker bus, New York City, circa 1921. 1921. Photograph. New York Historical Society, nyhs_pr181_b-07_9183-01.jpg. Roege, William J. Rockefeller Center, New York City, 1937. 1937. Photograph. New York Historical Society, nyhs_pr181_b-03_9002-01.jpg. Levick, Edwin. Radio City Music Hall, detail of the marquee, possibly 1937. 1937. Photograph. New York Historical Society, nyhs_pr034_b-01_62286-01.jpg. H.N. Tiemann and Co. New York Public Library, fifth avenue from 40 th to 42 nd street, New York City, 1911. 1911. Photograph. New-York Historical Society, nyhs_pr129_b-05_169-01.jpg. Armbruster, Eugene L. Manhattan: Plaza Hotel, southwest corner of fifth avenue and W. 59 th street, 1924. 1924. Photograph. New-York Historical Society, nyhs_pr081_b-03_f-07_295-01.jpg. I took 2013 picture of The Plaza Hotel. I took 2013 picture of Rockefeller Center. I took 2013 picture of Washington Arch. I took 2013 picture of the New York Public Library. I took 2013 picture of Columbus Circle. I took 2013 picture of the Empire State Building. I took 2013 picture of Radio City Music Hall.