1970s and early 1980s New York City was where Fernando played truant, chopper gangs hogged the sidewalks, sex was sold, women raged in raucous nightclubs, gay rights found its voice, Madonna joined her first band, BLADE used trains as his canvas. In 1981, 22-year-old Christopher Morris was an intern at a photo agency. “I was new to New York, at the very start of my career,” he says, “and I became mesmerised by the total urban decay, that was most visual with the subway system.” Over six months Morris set about capturing life below ground.
Would you like to support Flashbak?
Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.