Exhibitions: Click! A Crowd-Curated Exhibition

Tamara Porras. Pippin Building, 2008. All rights reserved

Artist Statement

This is a photograph of the Pippin Building, landmarked in the summer of 2006, after a battle to demolish it in favor of Brooklyn's first Whole Foods. Set on the banks of the Gowanus, the construction of this chain represents the changing face of the neighborhood (and entire borough). However, the efforts to save the historic building are a sign that Brooklyn will not back down at changes that it does not want - as the building stands, so does the soul of Brooklyn residents. The image is on 4x5" Fuji film, exposed for 10 minutes.

24 Comments

This is a really moving piece. Seeing this lone building stand there naked and empty but with the foundation of an entire borough. Just flawless.

Beautiful light and composition of the image, even aside from a nice interpretation of the theme is if a fine photograph with a sense of time, place and the transience of it.

Fantastic exposure.

this is beautiful and gloomy.

I think everyone who passes this building wishes for its survival. Very beautiful image.

it's a great composition, well balanced and the meaning of the building worth seeing this picture amongst the best of the collection.

Good information, as much as I love going to Whole Foods, the clash between gentrification and never forgetting the past is a complex one.

Evolution, sure. Change if necessary. But don't just toss aside.

An excellent image, well done.

Like the images of this proud lonely building. Very glad it is to be saved.

everyone wants a whole foods, who are you kidding

great building. great picture

Excellent color and light. Also a very good caption, factual and evocative without being overdramatic.

Its hard for an outsider like myself to comprehend what drives brooklynites to give up their spare time to save structures they have no financial investment in. We spent three years trying to stop residents from pouring toxic chemicals into a wild pond because the pond abutters thought lilly pads were weeds. I personally think the battle to save ecosystems has a higher priority.

I like the black and white version featured previously. This one looks too slick.

Lovely photo Great light elements.

Static and boring composition. There are several fire hydrants across the street that could have been used as foreground objects, and there is an interesting sign in the background to the right that was missed. And this corner looks much better in early morning light, IMHO. — Posted by Douglas

Still yet shotting by.. how it's easy to drive by and miss this moment — Posted by anonymous

This is a great piece. capturing the historic lone building standing strong. — Posted by Irene C.

This is a great photo — Posted by Kevin Z. Moore

cool — Posted by aiyana

I LUV THIS PICTURE — Posted by TM

good looks like a hideout — Posted by Lilli

click is awesome — Posted by william luis collazo