Adam Jason Cohen (b. New Jersey, 1986) is a photographer currently living and working in Chicago, Illinois documenting the social landscape and human condition with a focus specifically on the South and West Sides of Chicago. After attending the BFA-Photography program at AIB-Lesley University he soon found himself at home in Chicago, where he has lived the past five years. His work has been showcased in print and online in local and international publications. He also produces his own small-run limited edition books documenting his work in Chicago and is currently working on a number of larger scale bodies of work soon to be published. Today we’re sharing photos from a series of zines he published this spring, covering a range of topics regarding life in Chicago.
Fresh Garb
The first, Fresh Garb, was a series of photographs that highlighted the clothing worn by Christians in the South and West sides of Chicago on Easter Sunday. Easter is essentially the first day of a new year in the Christian calendar. It is believed you are born again on Easter, and everything prior is washed away. A common practice on this holiday is to dress your best and greet the new beginning as fresh as possible.
King of Pop
King of Pop, was shot during two trips to Gary, Indiana. Every photograph was taken within walking distance of the house that the Jackson family grew up in. The city is as sad as the house. Gary was an old-time industrial town. Now that industry has moved elsewhere, the city and its residents are left to deal with the changing tide. The house serves as another reminder of what once was.
Tres de Mayo
Tres de Mayo, the third zine, is a series of photographs taken in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, celebrating Cinco de Mayo. The parade happened to occur on the third of May this year, which is also the title of my favorite painting by Francisco Goya, Tres de mayo de 1808. These photographs focused on the cars in the parade and the people who operated them. These photographs are about self expression.
To see more of Adam’s work, visit his website.
Follow him on Instagram: @adamjasoncohen