Featured in the Fall 2015 Issue – Art Of The Times
Drums and dragons, masks and mummers, jewels and rainbows. For New York-based street photographer Paul Davies, New York City’s parades are a joyous celebration. He views them as the ultimate expression of the city’s exuberant, multicultural vibe.
Born in Wales, Davies has been working in New York for over 30 years. Perhaps it is this outsider’s view that sharpens his perspective. Consequently, he sees the city and its varied interest groups with a probing yet realistic eye.
Documenting Diversity
From June 2013 until July 4th of this year, Davies documented over 30 parades in all five boroughs. Notably, Paul Davies street photographer does not shoot the parades themselves. Instead, he focuses on the infinitely varied individual watchers and marchers.
Davies notes: “Parades are a celebration of cultural identity and an affirmation of what makes a community unique… These parades stand as a testament to the city’s multi-culturalism.”
Indeed, New York City is home to more parades than any other place in the world. Over forty different parades are held in the city each and every year.
Themed Celebrations
Some of the most exuberant parades are the themed ones. For example, the wild and wonderful Gay Pride parade has profound national resonance. Additionally, the annual Halloween parade in Greenwich Village draws celebrants from around the globe.
Another favorite is the Mermaid parade held in Brooklyn’s Coney Island. This event is an excuse to don the most extravagant and outrageous costumes imaginable. Costumers work long and hard to create these dazzling outfits.
As observed in a recent New York Times article regarding the West Indian American Day parade: “The costumes are a symbol of the flair and vibrancy of the Caribbean. They are the centerpiece and main attraction.”
A Historic Tradition
The history of holding parades in New York goes back centuries. In fact, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in the city over 200 years ago, in 1762.
Incomers of many ethnicities—Scots and Sikhs, Poles and Persians—participate. Ultimately, they all celebrate who they are and where they come from. Through the lens of Paul Davies street photographer, we see the complex yet wonderful city in which they have chosen to live.
