Q100 was photographed by Salvador Espinoza during 2016. The only method of public transportation to and from Rikers Island, the Q100 bus originates in his hometown neighborhood of Long Island City. Beginning its route at Queens Plaza, the Q100 runs along 21st Street through the Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Astoria neighborhoods, before crossing the commonly referred to “Bridge of Pain” to Rikers Island.
Rikers Island, situated across from LaGuardia airport’s runways on the East River between Hunts Point and Astoria, has not been without controversy in its 84 year history. Widely recognized as one of the worst jails in the country, it has been in the national spotlight for its frequent instances of abuse and corruption.
Espinoza’s motivation to photograph the Q100 was to present how mass incarceration doesn’t just affect the incarcerated, but also their loved ones, who can be seen waiting to board the Q100 as well. He adds, “As I would walk past the lines waiting to board the bus, I’d wonder about the mostly women and children starting their journeys to visit their loved ones on an island just across the east river not often thought about by the average New Yorker.”
Artist Bios
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Salvador Espinoza
Salvador Espinoza is a photographer born and raised in New York City. Primarily a documentary photographer and photojournalist he specializes in focusing on social issues by shooting realistic slices of everyday life. His work has won awards from The Queens Council on the Arts as well as The New York City Council and has been published in The New York Times, BBC News, Rolling Stone and Mass Appeal.
Organizations
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Queens Museum
The Queens Museum is dedicated to presenting high quality arts and educational programming for the people of New York, and particularly the residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse ethnic, cultural, and international community. The Museum’s work honors the history of our site and the diversity of our communities through a wide ranging and integrated program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public events.
Q100
Featuring: Salvador Espinoza
Supported by:
Locations
View Location Details Astoria Park19th Street and 24th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11105
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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Location open 24 hours
EDUCATION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What emotions do you observe in these photos? What do you feel when you look at these photos?
What are some of the common themes that occur throughout the photos, or the captions that accompany them?
Is this an experience that you are familiar with? If so, what resonates with you? If not, what have you learned about incarceration and how it affects families?
