A unique photography exhibition at the 14th Street Y is offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into how time transforms lives in New York City. Photographer Michael Berman's "'99 SNAPSHOTS" features compelling before-and-after portraits of 18 individuals, comparing images taken in 1999 with recent photographs captured two decades later. The exhibition runs through September 29 at the 14th Street Y's Lobby Gallery, located at 344 E. 14th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
The project originated in 1999 when Berman wandered Manhattan's streets with his camera, approaching strangers and asking permission to photograph them. Many of his subjects lived or worked in the East Village, while others were simply New Yorkers passing through, captured in fleeting moments at the turn of the millennium. The resulting portraits showcase a diverse cross-section of the city's residents, frozen in time at a pivotal moment in New York's history.
Twenty years later, Berman embarked on an ambitious quest to track down these same individuals and photograph them again. The exhibition presents these double portraits side by side, creating a powerful visual narrative about the passage of time in a city that never stops changing. Among the featured subjects are East Village resident Kika, shown in both 1999 and 2019, as well as Brian, another East Village resident, and Susan, photographed in 1999 and 2019. The collection also includes portraits of Jennifer and the legendary Bleecker Bob, captured in 1999 and again in 2017.
"Exploring the lives and perspectives of this multifaceted slice of our community conveys a timeless and timely message: We can learn from anyone we encounter," Berman explained in a news release about the exhibit. He emphasized the deeper purpose behind the project, stating, "The hope is that this exhibition will inspire you to meet new people, connect with them, and spend some time listening."
The photography exhibition represents just one component of Berman's larger artistic endeavor. Since 2017, he has been developing "'99 SNAPSHOTS" as both a documentary film and photography project. A sneak preview of the accompanying film is available for viewing online. At its core, the multimedia project examines what it means to live in New York City and explores how individual life stories, when viewed collectively, can help bridge societal divides during fractured times.
Berman's career began with community journalism, shooting photographs for Brooklyn newspapers before joining the staff of the New York Daily News. Over the years, his work has been displayed in magazines, restaurants, shops, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout the city. With "'99 SNAPSHOTS," Berman returns to the images that launched his professional career, reconnecting not only with the people who influenced his work but also with those who helped shape the city itself.
The exhibition opened with a free public reception featuring Berman on September 4 at 7 PM, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to experience this unique photographic journey through time. The event reflects the inclusive spirit of the project, which celebrates the diverse tapestry of New York City residents and their evolving stories. Visitors can follow Berman's ongoing work through his Instagram account, where he continues to document the ever-changing face of New York.
