Random New York City ― Photographs by Martin Fishman

Martin Fishman documented life in New York City from the 1960s through the early 2000s. His black and white photography was visual poetry that captured emotion, attitude and luster one impromptu moment at a time. His camera and mind's eye sought out the truth of New York rooted in its inhabitants and their experiences. Mr. Fishman's black and white street photography encompasses the essence of many famous events and gatherings such as Wigstock, the Easter Hat Parade along 5th Avenue, Purim and the Halloween Parade as well as everyday quality time around NYC. He found wit, shot it, developed it and framed it. He sought out the vulnerability of a momentary moment and took it back with him as proof that it exists. RANDOM New York City represents a small overview of Marty's relationship with the camera and life behind the lens and vividly demonstrative of his true affection for the city of his birth.

PHILLIP WARD is a consultant and researcher, curator, multimedia artist, photographer, poet, and writer. His writings, photographs, and box constructions have appeared in an array of magazines, journals, and books; the internet; as well as group exhibitions in New York and Japan. Mr. Ward was Quentin Crisp's personal assistant, dresser, typist, editor, and companion during the 1980s and until Mr. Crisp's death in 1999. Mr. Ward is the archivist and curator of the Crisperanto: The Quentin Crisp Archives (crisperanto.org); and is literary and estate executor of Mr. Crisp's estate, and editor of Mr. Crisp’s final book The Last Word (co-edited with Laurence Watts). It was through his friendship with Quentin Crisp that Mr. Ward was introduced to Martin Fishman and his photography. Phillip Ward was born in Paintsville, Kentucky, and lives in Manhattan.