Soulful portraits of today’s young New Yorkers
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Marie Tomanova
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
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
Kate & Odie
Ryan
Alton
Oren
Matthew
Elyanna
Amelia
Quay Dash
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Nick Haymes’s intimate portrait of his family’s life
Chronograph — Over 25 years, the photographer documented his son’s lives as they grew into adults. The resulting photobook is an exploration of the passage of time, as well as the optimism of youth.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Kristina Rozhkova’s scatty, confronting portrait of captivity
Gut Feeling — The Russian artist’s 2024 arrest and subsequent detention opened her eye towards the omnipresent dynamics of power and control. Her new photobook is a stark exploration of being trapped.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Julian Cashwan Pratt: “We fought security until the cops showed up”
Hard Feelings — The lead singer of Show Me the Body joins Rob Kazandjian’s column on fatherhood and masculinity to talk about mentors, scrapping Zionists at shows, and finally making his father proud.
Written by: Robert Kazandjian
UK’s first ever Latino film festival is coming to London
LoLaFF — Taking place between October 2-6, it will feature 55 filmmakers from Latin America, with an opening night at the Barbican.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Shawn Walker’s layered, psychedelic vision of Harlem’s streets
From BeBop to Illusion — Using glass as a means to illuminate the city’s different layers, the longtime photographer and filmmaker is publishing his first monograph at the age of 86.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: The enduring resistance of Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival of Resistance — A new photobook by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow reflects on the protest beginnings of Europe’s biggest street festival, along with the traditions keeping its original spirit alive today.
Written by: Isaac Muk
