Photos of the "Original" Bushwick Pioneers

On display at two Bushwick community locations is “Pioneers of Bushwick,” portraits of long-time residents of Bushwick by photographer and artist Daryl-Ann Saunders, who also lives in the neighborhood. The name of the project turns the idea of neighborhood “pioneers” on its head. A word that is usually used unselfconsciously to refer to gentrifiers, in this case it means long-time residents who preceded more recent arrivals to the neighborhood (Mexican immigrants, artists, and recent college grads alike). Other themes include aging, human value, and perseverance, said the artist. The portraits are accompanied by brief quotes from the subjects. Click through for more photos and info after the jump…



Through July 27 at the Diana Jones Senior Center at 9 Noll Street and through Aug. 30 at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center at 374 Stockholm Street.
Update: “Pioneers of Bushwick” will show at Sweet & Shiny Cafe at 214 Knickerbocker Avenue Oct. 1 through Nov. 17.
Another update: “Pioneers of Bushwick” has been held over at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center through Jan. 25, 2013, and will show at Bushwick Community Darkroom on Flushing Avenue during February of 2013.
Pioneers of Bushwick Project Blog
Artist’s Web Site
Photos by Daryl-Ann Saunders