New York City, a melting pot of cultures, experiences, and stories, serves as an endless source of inspiration for artists and writers alike. The Mishkin Gallery at Baruch College, in collaboration with the literary magazine Encounters, recently unveiled a new zine titled “Commons” that delves into the vibrant street life of New York City. Launched on March 1, as part of the gallery’s five-week film program “The Right to the City: Public Space on Film,” this zine presents a unique exploration of the city’s public spaces through the eyes of CUNY students.
The initiative behind “Commons” was sparked by Encounters editor-in-chief Melani Bonilla’s proposal to collaborate in relation to the film series curated by Alaina Claire Feldman, the director of the gallery. Feldman’s curatorial vision focused on the diverse public spaces New Yorkers share and occupy, from the sidewalks and subways to parks and other communal areas, along with the political issues emerging within these contexts. This thematic exploration served as the perfect backdrop for the zine, which aims to capture and reflect the myriad encounters and experiences that define street life in NYC.
“Commons” features contributions from eight talented students across various CUNY campuses, marking the first time Encounters opened submissions to the entire CUNY network. Among the featured works is a collection of street portraits by Queens College photography major Sidney Hans, who seeks to “freeze people’s moments” and convey the human condition through his lens. The zine’s pages are adorned with graffiti-inspired typography, captivating shots of NYC landscapes, and narratives that highlight the commonalities shared by New Yorkers, from food vendors on the sidewalk to students filming music videos amidst the urban hustle.
Contributions such as Vedanti Amin’s essay on the public transportation system and Christopher Clarke’s photo essay on New York’s influence on fashion and streetwear add depth to the zine’s exploration of city life. These pieces collectively offer insights into how the city shapes its inhabitants and their daily interactions, while also celebrating the diversity and resilience that characterize New York City.
The “Public Space on Film” series, running from February 26 to March 1, complemented the launch of “Commons” by focusing on NYC’s architecture, culture, and the utilization of public spaces. Each week, a different theme was explored through documentaries, short films, and stop-motion projects, followed by engaging film discussions.
Looking ahead, the Mishkin Gallery is set to present its next exhibition, “Taxonomies of Power: Photographic Encounters at the State Silk Museum, Tbilisi,” curated by Feldman and Mariam Shergelashvili from the State Silk Museum in Georgia. The exhibition, opening on March 21 and running through June 7, will showcase 47 monochrome historic photographs that delve into Soviet artists’ interpretations of the snowy larva.
“Commons” not only serves as a testament to the creative spirit of CUNY students but also offers a fresh perspective on the complexities and beauty of New York City’s street life. Through poetry, prose, photography, and 3D art, this zine invites readers to experience the city through the lenses of those who navigate its streets every day, highlighting the shared spaces and encounters that define the essence of NYC.
