Tom Warren: The 1980s Art Scene in New York

The 1980s in New York were an ambivalent time: on the one hand, the city was marked by high crime and the AIDS crisis; on the other hand, the economy was booming, helping its profiteers to live decadently. Artists and cultural workers were attracted to the city of contrasts. They dealt critically with issues such as politics and gentrification – but also enjoyed a hedonistic lifestyle. Photographer Tom Warren became one of the most important witnesses of that time. He was a significant part of the New York art scene and gained notoriety for his artistic repurposing of vacant spaces in the East Village. With his portraits of the people and life of New York, he created memories and documents of these times. This monograph showcases his photographs from this period, bringing a bygone decade to life.