Over the course of nearly three decades, Jean-Pierre Laffont traveled to all fifty of the United States, documenting the country in all its facets. Photographer’s Paradise is the summation of his work, showing the highs, lows, chaos and solidarity of the American dream.
New York City, New York / June 25, 2013 Eliane and JP Laffont editing the prints of Photographer’s Paradise. For 30 years the suitcases travelled around the world with JP Laffont. Courtesy of Sam Matamoros.Miami, Florida / August 23, 1972 Protestors perform scenes of death.Bronx, New York City, New York / July 20, 1972 Members of the New York street gang Savage Skulls strike a pose reminiscent of West Side Story. The trademark of the primarily Puerto Rican gang was a sleeveless denim jacket with a skull and cross- bones design on the back. Based in the South Bronx neighborhood of Hunts Point, the gang declared war on the drug dealers that operated in the area as well as running battles with rival gangs.Watkins Glen, New York / July 28, 1973 A young couple kisses as the chaos of the crowd whirs around them with an estimated 600,000 rock fans. The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen was a 1973 rock festival which once received the Guinness Book of World Records entry for “Largest audience at a pop festival.”Fort Dix, New Jersey / May, 1980 Men and women finally equal in the American Army. In 1980 the US allows women to actively serve in the military. Here, women take part in basic training against atomic radiation.Manhattan, New York City, New York / January 23, 1974 Surrounded by press and bodyguards, Muhammad Ali gestures before brawling with Joe Frazier at the New York studio of ABC during the weigh-in process. Both were fined $5,000. Ali went on to box Frazier on January 28, won the fight and retained his NABF title.
You are invited to the New York launch of Photographer’s Paradise: Turbulent America 1960-1990 by Jean-Pierre Laffont, published by Glitterati Incorporated. The event will take place on Thursday, October 9th, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Clic Gallery in New York, NY.
