Initiated in 2024, this project emerged from the daily ritual of crossing New York Harbor aboard the Staten Island Ferry, a route I came to share with generations of seasoned commuters traveling between Staten Island and Manhattan. First established in 1817 to meet the need for reliable passage across the harbor, the ferry has long served as both infrastructure and lifeline.
While frequently photographed, this body of work turns away from spectacle to focus on the cultural identity of Staten Island’s community. It is the people, passengers and crew alike, whose quiet perseverance imbues the crossing with meaning. Through their presence, the commute becomes more than transit; it becomes a shared, enduring experience.
Over time, the act of commuting itself has come to symbolize adaptation, labor, and endurance. For both those who travel and those who operate the ferry, the crossing reflects a daily negotiation with time, distance, and change.
This project has become a deeply personal and therapeutic endeavor. It stands as a gesture of appreciation for Staten Island and the communities whose lives and rhythms continue to shape this passage.
Organizations
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The Alice Austen House
A vibrant cultural center, the Alice Austen House keeps the bold spirit of the early American photographer alive by presenting changing exhibitions of Austen’s pioneering historic photographs and of contemporary photography, providing education programs for students, offering a range of cultural programs for the public.
Protected: Crossings
Featuring:
Curated by: Victoria Munro
Locations
View Location Details South Beach Promenade656 Father Capodanno Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10305
- Monday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Tuesday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Wednesday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Thursday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Friday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Saturday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Sunday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
