© Wayne Lawrence 

Created in the 1930s, Orchard Beach was proclaimed »The Riviera of New York«. As Bronx’s sole public beach, it has been long stigmatized as a »ghetto« beach. Situated in the North-eastern Bronx, the »Bronx Riviera« has always been considered an oasis in the concrete jungle for immigrant working class families.  

© Wayne Lawrence

Wayne Lawrence spent six years photographing Orchard Beach and its community. »I began shooting portraits of Orchard Beach’s summertime regulars in 2005 shortly after moving to New York, realizing that the stigma attached to this oasis was largely unjustified – I felt compelled to engage with this community of working class families and colorful characters. The photographs in ‘Orchard Beach – The Bronx Riviera’ celebrate the pride and dignity of the beach’s visitors, working-class people.«

© Wayne Lawrence

New York’s Bronx in considered one of the most diverse communities in America. Lawrence’s series of portraits reflects the complex history of the borough itself, out of which many subcultures originated. Subjects’ extravagant styles, heavily-tattooed sunbathers are described as »a quest for identity and sense of belonging« by the Brooklyn-based documentary photographer. Spending all these years observing life on Orchard Beach gave Lawrence the time and space to reflect on the importance of family and community. »Whenever I step onto the sandy landscape, I know that I am witnessing history being made and I approach my subjects as though the most important thing at that moment is that we are present.« Wayne Lawrence explains. The photographer published a book of pictures called Orchard Beach: The Bronx Riviera. According to the description of the book, Lawrence tries to »challenge the stereotypes associated with working-class people by celebrating their cultural pride.«

© Wayne Lawrence

© Wayne Lawrence

© Wayne Lawrence

© Wayne Lawrence

© Wayne Lawrence

© Wayne Lawrence

© Wayne Lawrence

See more of Wayne Lawrence‘s work.

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