The End Of Paralysis

A Story of New York in 100 Photographs

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1. Ignition - Madison Square Park, Gramercy

“Welcome home,” he says, like somehow he just knows.

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An Invitation...

This whole thing started as a joke. On our trip to New York in mid-2015, J and I were making a concerted effort to take as many “candid” photos as possible. I didn’t like the lighting in a couple of my early shots so I flicked on one of the black and white filters. J would laugh at the artsy affectation and I’d joke that these were going in the exhibition. I knew that obviously wasn’t my speed but I still wanted to do something with them. This project went through several different forms over a period of two years even before the Trump of it all. Then it changed again. 

Trump’s America is a vastly different beast to the foreign observer, literally, symbolically and metaphorically. He has done damage and he has the power to do so much more, but a president is not his people. The fight has already begun but there is much work to be done. Resistance, rebellion, these ideas and actions must extend to our ideals, our humility and our inextinguishable hope.

“Rebellions are built on hope.”

What follows is more or less true, and I present it here because as a foreigner who has always looked to the great imperfect shining beacon of America, the symbol must remain untarnished. For the sake of dreams and hope, it is still a symbol that can inspire greatness. It has, and always will be, tragically flawed. Just like us. 

What follows is the continuing love story. What follows is only the beginning.

“I still love you though, New York.”

To be enjoyed in sequence and in full screen. For an added experience, play this in the background.

[All photos copyright Mac Robinson]

Contact: [email protected] or at Mac Robinson Reviews...

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2. First Night - Saint Mark’s Place, East Village

“Buona sera, miei giovani amici.”

“It is indeed, my man.”

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3. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Shake Shack, Madison Square Park, Gramercy

“I think we just enjoy things more than other people.”

“We do because we give a fuck.”

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4. In Through The Out Door - Amor y Amargo, E 6th Street, East Village

“Cocktails?”

“Cocktails.”

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5. That Sweet, Sweet Black Gold - Bluebird Coffee Shop, E 1st Street, East Village

He looks at the kid like he’s crazy.

“Are you sure, man? That’s a lot of coffee.”

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6. A Secret We’re Undeserving Of - On The Move, NoHo

“Three days and a lifetime and we might finally be home.”

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7. A Palpable Positivity - On The Move, Little Italy

“Pay it forward, honey.”

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8. Undiminished Sarcasm And Wonder - The Garret (above the 5 Guys), Bleecker Street, West Village

“What do you think?” I ask.

“I love your friends,” she whispers.

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9. Fat Cat Lingers On - Dudley’s, Orchard Street, Lower East Side

“50 people in apartments smaller than ours. How do you even... live?”

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10. Necessary Evils - On The Move, Flatiron

I’ll go with her. Even when she says I don’t have to, of course I’ll go.

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11. Death & The Maiden - The lobby of The Ace Hotel, W 29th Street, Korea Town

“One day, baby, when time is on our side. One day.”

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12. Afternoon Libations - Alphabet City Beer Company, Avenue C, Alphabet City

“Spicy beer cheese. They’ve got fucking spicy beer cheese.”

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13. One Day. Here. With Me. - 178 Ludlow Street, Lower East Side

I just smile because she knows the answer. 

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14. On The House - Sweet Chick, Ludlow Street, Lower East Side

“You guys here on holiday?”

“We just moved in upstairs.”

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15. A Make Believe Weekend Routine - On The Move, Union Square

“He is, of course, the busiest man in New York.”

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16. Well-Advertised Secrets - The Campbell Apartment, Grand Central Station

“Well that was disappointingly easy...”

“Should we look for the Vanderbilt Courts instead?”

“Nah, let’s save it.”