When Mel Rosenthal returned to his native South Bronx in the mid-1970s he found what he called a “war zone”. He had recently abandoned an academic career as a literature professor for the camera and would go on to produce a series of photographs documenting the desolation, hopelessness, and absurdity that defined the South Bronx landscape of that time, and the resilience that defined those who remained. (This was the era of widespread “urban renewal” – protested by the legendary Jane Jacobs – the drastic rezoning and wanton demolitions of tenement neighborhoods like Morrisania where Rosenthal had grown up.) His portraits reclaim a modicum of dignity for marginalized subjects: four youngsters, for instance, jovially clearing a lot in preparation for an urban garden. These compassionate pictures constitute a much-needed testament to a stain on the city’s collective history. ROB KAISER-SCHATZLEIN
“In the South Bronx of America: Photographs of Mel Rosenthal” through October 16, 1220 Fifth Avenue, between 103rd and 104th streets, New York City (212) 534-1672
Mel Rosenthal, Teens clean up the rubble in order to create a neighborhood garden, 1976-1982
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