Soulful portraits of today’s young New Yorkers

Soulful portraits of today’s young New Yorkers
This is America — Czech photographer Marie Tomanova captures the hopes and dreams of contemporary US city-dwellers in her new portrait series, Young Americans.

When Czech photographer Marie Tomanova first came to New York six years ago, she fell in love with the city. Swept away by its vibrant spirit and diversity, she decided that she would do whatever she could to make it her home.

Armed with just her camera, Tomanova slowly began to make a living from her portrait work – building up, in the process, a community of like-minded young creatives who had converged in New York from all corners of the world.

“As a person who came to US and didn’t know a single person here, photography really was, and still is, very precious to me,” she explains. “Photography helped me overcome my shyness of meeting strangers and my anxiety and doubting of myself.”

Tash

Tash

Alannah

Alannah

 

For Tomanovac, photography became a way to connect with people. Her portraits – which are direct, raw and soulful – give an insight into the lives of her friends, and pay tribute to the diversity of modern metropolitan America. They urge viewers to stop problematising the idea of being young in the US, and to instead celebrate the dreams, hopes and opportunities that still exist in the country.

The images – which make up a series called Young Americans – are currently on display at New York’s Czech Center, where they will be exhibited until August 10.

“I love NYC,” Tomanova adds. “I love that it is way more than what I imagined. It is a place where I found amazing art community and had the honour to meet and photograph so many wonderful people. It is a special place that inspires me every day.”

Britney

Britney

Kate & Odie

Kate & Odie

Ryan

Ryan

Alton

Alton

Oren

Oren

Matthew

Matthew

Elyanna

Elyanna

Amelia

Amelia

Quay Dash

Quay Dash

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Latest on Huck

ATMs & lion dens: What happens to Christmas trees after the holiday season?
Culture

ATMs & lion dens: What happens to Christmas trees after the holiday season?

O Tannenbaum — Nikita Teryoshin’s new photobook explores the surreal places that the festive centrepieces find themselves in around Berlin, while winking to the absurdity of capitalism.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Resale tickets in UK to face price cap in touting crackdown
News

Resale tickets in UK to face price cap in touting crackdown

The move, announced today by the British government, will apply across sport, music and the wider live events industry.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Nearly a century ago, denim launched a US fashion revolution
Culture

Nearly a century ago, denim launched a US fashion revolution

The fabric that built America — From its roots as rugged workwear, the material became a society-wide phenomenon in the 20th century, even democratising womenswear. A new photobook revisits its impact.

Written by: Miss Rosen

A forlorn portrait of a Maine fishing village forced to modernise
Culture

A forlorn portrait of a Maine fishing village forced to modernise

Sealskin — Jeff Dworsky’s debut monograph ties his own life on Deer Isle and elegiac family story with ancient Celtic folklore.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Subversive shots of Catholic schoolgirls in ‘80s New York
Culture

Subversive shots of Catholic schoolgirls in ‘80s New York

Catholic Girl — When revisiting her alma mater, Andrea Modica noticed schoolgirls finding forms of self-expression beyond the dress code. Her new photobook documents their intricate styles.

Written by: Isaac Muk

We need to talk about super gonorrhoea
Activism

We need to talk about super gonorrhoea

Test & vaccinate — With infection rates of ‘the clap’ seemingly on the up, as well as a concerning handful of antibiotic resistant cases, Nick Levine examines what can be done to stem the STI’s rise.

Written by: Nick Levine

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 81: The more than a game issue

Buy it now