Drone fine art photograph — aerial photography by Xynn Tii

Welcome to a civilized New York. These timeless streets of Brooklyn have cleaned up dramatically since The ‘77 Blackout, 80’s cocaine epidemic, and 90’s race riots. Historical scars run deep though the borough maintains its composure by way of experience.

As I documented the streets of Flatbush Brooklyn while overhearing conversations and observing behaviors, it became obvious the unfazed vibe of its residents. A major lack of tension and anguish. That unenforced stay-at-home order was always a joke.

It is incomprehensible to fully grasp what New Yorkers have already overcome through the decades. The city has developed an immunity to times like this. These lasting black and white visuals portray realism of balancing uncertainty and progressive fortitude.



“NEW YORK IS NOT DEAD” is a tough act to follow. Switched it up.

The black and white film grain for the first time ever. Brooklyn-inspired.



Just another day. Checking off the to-do list, getting those tasks done.

Lines everywhere. Nothing prevents locals from getting their pizza on.



A visit to the produce market on Church Avenue. Not much distancing.

Masks required prior to entry. Conformity without resistance. Respect.



The usual characters hanging outside the train station with a boom box.

Facial expressions denoting struggle. Cope by getting lost in daydreams.



Closed small businesses in the background. For some only temporarily.

A consistent rush to the bank and check cashing. Hypnosis stares aloft.



Makeshift hand-written signage, seemingly the new thing about town.

Patiently waiting in line. Typical jabber every so often, overall peaceful.



Takeover an empty Sears parking lot for a pop-up medical testing site.

Windows up, mask on, stay in car. Resembling a drive-thru pharmacy.



Silk City

It is imperative to capture the Story from different perspectives. Series 65 shows the everyday workings of life in Brooklyn while Story 64 displays everyday folks in Central Park, taking a break from the stresses of life. Same people, different point of view.

New York is not dead, nor is it dumb because this city naturally knows what it wants and needs to persevere beyond anything. It is an effortless attribute that all five boroughs share. For many, past defeated hardship makes today’s challenges familiar and thus conquerable.

There is always struggle and suffering regardless of current events. Though uncomfortable and often times unavoidable, New York constantly embraces this challenge. I am inspired to create this ongoing series to reaffirm New York’s formidable character.