Shopping Interrupted, 2020

Shopping Interrupted  is a visual testament to a unique moment in history when consumerism was abruptly disrupted. When George Floyd was brutally murdered by a police officer on May 25, 2020, it sent shockwaves through the nation, igniting widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

On May 31st, fringe groups and opportunistic looters broke windows and emptied a number of luxury stores in lower Manhattan and midtown.

I arrived in Soho the day after the looting, stepping into a hauntingly surreal cityscape that seemed to hold its breath. The opulent displays of the luxury stores just a day earlier were now concealed behind rough plywood facades. It was a stark and surreal sight, but one that carried a powerful message.

Those raw wood panels became the great equalizer, denying access to all, irrespective of their social status. They became a symbol, not only of protection against further damage but also of the systemic injustices deeply ingrained in our hyper-capitalist world. In that moment, the city's wounds were laid bare for all to see, etched into the very structures that defined its opulence.

With my camera in hand, I embarked on a week-long journey through Manhattan, documenting every boarded-up luxury store. The resulting series of images bears witness to the striking juxtaposition of polished fashion brand letters against the raw, plywood. This visual testament encapsulates a unique moment in history when consumerism was abruptly disrupted, when the city's glamour gave way to vulnerability, and when the facade of privilege was shattered.

Through Shopping Interrupted, I invite you to engage in a thought-provoking exploration of our consumer-driven culture. These photographs challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths about the society we live in, where access to luxury is a privilege, and where systemic injustices persist. It is my hope that this series sparks conversations, provokes contemplation, and urges us to recognize the urgent need for change..