23-Fifth Avenue by Gun Roze

Gun Roze is a Toronto-born Fine Art Photographer. His fascination with photography began with his first gifted camera at the age of 8. Though he studied photography related courses, his most valuable knowledge was gained as a Master Analog Darkroom Printer for professional photographers during his devoted 35 year career. The demands for his expertise as a personal colour printer opened up work opportunities in Vancouver, San Francisco and New York City.Throughout this period Gun continued with his own photography and creative projects.

2012 was a defining year for Gun. While living and working in New York, he rediscovered 28 rolls of 35mm colour negatives in his archives. The film was shot mainly on the streets of Manhattan in 1982. This series showcased his first exploration into street photography and is titled MANHATTAN 1982. In 2013, three compositions were included in the prestigious ClampArt gallery's 2013 group exhibition focused on NYC life in the 80s.

The enthusiasm surrounding this discovery inspired Gun to return to street photography in NYC, though from a resident’s perspective. His daily practice is reliant on the easy access of his ever present point-and-shoot compact digital camera. With this dedicated method he has gained a solid following and reputation for his unique captures.

Since returning to Toronto in 2015, Gun has continued with his daily approach to street-based photography and its detailed representation of his hometown’s various neighbourhoods. Learn more about Gun at www.shot-by-gun.com

"My first visit to New York City was in 1980. As a Toronto born mid-20s artist/photographer, NYC immediately presented everything I had seen in the media and was far beyond my imagination. I intentionally returned for two stays in 1982 to photograph and capture the feeling of the city that I was completely enchanted by. Shooting on the streets in the early 80s was a much freer experience than the guardedness experienced with the public today. Some people were intrigued by my camera and even asked which magazine I was working for. I photographed this project entirely on Kodak 35mm colour negative film. Once back home, prints were produced in my private darkroom. After creating a small portfolio to share with my friends, this project was then put to rest.

I moved to NYC in 1997 due to the great demand for professional Analog Darkroom Printers. Though by 2012 analog colour printing was swiftly being replaced with the digital approach. With more free time available I sensed it was my time to fully embrace and focus on my own photography. In my archives I rediscovered my MANHATTAN 1982 negatives. My friends and colleagues were impressed by the images they were shown, encouraging me to consider having a photo exhibition and to publish a book.

A year later, I began to introduce the series to various NYC galleries. Brian Clamp of ClampArt responded immediately. The timing was ideal to have three MANHATTAN 1982 images included in the curation of their group show titled “NYC, c. 1985”. It truly was an honor to be included amongst well respected photographers such as Amy Arbus, Nan Goldin, Larry Clark, and Arlene Gottfried.

The first print run of my hardcover photobook, MANHATTAN 1982, was published in March 2020. I view the book as my gift in return for the 15 remarkable years that I called NYC my home, as well as a celebration of a very special time period in 80s NYC. I credit rediscovering this series as my inspiration and motivation to returning to street-based photography, though from a resident’s perspective. This remains my daily photographic practice in Toronto." - Gun Roze