Manhattan Noir: John Fensten’s Photographs of New York City in the 1980s

A photographer shows us a curious Manhattan of shadows and stories

Roller skates on 5th Avenue NYC by John Fenster 1980s

 

John Fensten (American, New York, 1936-2001) studied acting with the world-renowned Actor’s Studio with Lee and Susan Strasberg in the late 1950s, early 1960s. He appeared on the critically acclaimed CBS television anthology drama series Playhouse 90. And was a longtime resident of New York’s East Village.

Like Rich Allen and Anthony Catalano, John’s work is worthy of a wide audience. And like Rich, he too worked as a bike messenger in Manhattan, taking pictures as he scooted about the city.

It’s thanks to his photographer daughter, Susan Fenster, that we can now see John’s evocative work. He took many pictures but, sadly, many were lost. So let’s enjoy what we have. And, as ever, imagine the stories between…

 

NYC 16th between 5th/6th, 1980s

NYC 16th between 5th/6th, 1980s

 

John Fensten prints of Manhattan NYC in the 1980s are now available in the sbop.

 

Astor Place, NYC in the 1980s by John Fensten

Astor Place, NYC in the 1980s by John Fensten

John Fensten NYC 1980s church John Fensten NYC 1980s

Soho. 1980s. Photo by John Fensten.

Soho. 1980s. Photo by John Fensten.

Midtown. 1980s. Photo by John Fensten

Midtown. 1980s. Photo by John Fensten

NYC 1980s 1900s NYC John Fensten NYC 1980s road

1980s NYC
John Fensten NYC 1980s

Wheatpaste 1980s Soho NYC

Wheatpaste 1980s Soho NYC

Rainy New Year's Eve. East Village. 1980s. Photo © John Fensten.

Rainy New Year’s Eve. East Village. 1980s. Photo © John Fensten.

John Fensten. 1980s.

John Fensten. 1980s.

John Fensten prints of Manhattan NYC in the 1980s are now available in the sbop.

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