Exploring NYC by Night: Navigating the In-Between
Text by Oman Morí
Exploring the night as a subject that speaks to ourselves and influences our psyche, employing a camera to capture the essence of NYC nightlife. This work is not about lifestyle or fashion; instead, it seeks to encapsulate how the night unfolds a sense of mystery and liberation among the city's inhabitants. Mongolian photographer Suniko Bazargarid has been diligently accompanied by her camera while navigating New York City by night. She explains her new project, stating, "To exist within the nighttime is the simplest way we travel to a different world."
She delves into the concept of a mask that everyone carries throughout the day, observing, "During daytime hours, we often project an approachable facade, navigating the world within the confines of social conventions. When the sun sets, a subtle transformation takes place, altering the way we move and perceive the world." Her photographs successfully freeze this contrast between day and night, portraying a moment when individuals feel the need to let go. "We release our expectations and choose who we could be."
As night falls, the influence of dreams becomes unmistakable. The quietude and relaxed atmosphere repel the stresses of the day, and these images emerge as a means of escaping that turmoil. Suniko presents the night as a search for small pockets of peace. "This series serves as a portrait of the night—a profoundly liminal time, envisioned as a place. While individuals may appear in the images, the night remains the focal point; people are merely transient travelers in this space. Within the nocturnal realm, the emotions of yearning and anticipation come to the forefront, leading to introspection among those seeking solace in each other, amidst the unique lights and colors found only within this landscape."
This exploration will unfold in a solo exhibition at Here Bk (26 Bushwick Ave), running from October 7 through October 21. For further information about her work, you can visit her website or Instagram profile.
