MacWeeney speaks with NYPL photography curator Maggie Mustard about the Library’s new exhibition of his work.

This event was originally scheduled to take place on September 29. Registration for this event has sold out, but additional tickets may become available. Please email publicprograms@nypl.org if you would like to join the waitlist.

New York Subways 1977, the latest exhibition of Alen MacWeeney's work, captures "the breath of life" experienced by daily commuters on the subway. He found that adjoining two images told more than a single picture alone; diptychs became the key to his subway photos. The combination of the two immerses the viewer in a distinct moment in time: 1970s New York City.

MacWeeney will discuss the creation of those photographs and choosing which ones to pick for the show. He will also look back on his long career working in Ireland, Paris, and New York City, and how poetry, painting, and his friendships with fellow artists like Francesa Woodman and Richard Avedon influenced and helped to shape his own work.

New York Subways 1977: Alen MacWeeney is on display in the Prints Gallery on the third floor of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building September 23, 2023–January 7, 2024.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Alen MacWeeney is an internationally renowned photographer, currently based in New York. He began working in photography in his teens, winning several awards for his early works. MacWeeney soon became impatient with the limitations of studio photography. He traded in his 120 camera for a new 35mm Leica and began trying his skills in street photography. This period of MacWeeney's practice marked the development of what became his signature style. His collection was recently acquired by University College Cork in Ireland, where it will be archived and maintained. His works are featured in the permanent collections of many prominent museums such as MoMA, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, and more, as well as in private collections of institutions such as Columbia University, Boston College, and elsewhere. MacWeeney's collection continues to grow as he continues printing in his personal studio darkroom and photographing in the analog and digital mediums.

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To join | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open around 1:30 PM. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

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ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

CONNECT

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Courtesy Alen MacWeeney