Inside the A train

"This picture is the very first of my Dear New Yorker series and the reason I kept going. The picture dates back to 2003. I was living in Harlem at that time and would take the A train from Harlem to Union Square. To me, at that time, it was about becoming clear regarding what I was doing. I showed some prints to Marc Riboud (1923–2016; photographer and a very active member of Magnum Photos, vice-president, president, and chairman of the board –ed. Note). He was the first person to point out that the abstract cross in the very center of this picture, almost looks like a crucification. That was a light bulb moment, when I was becoming more sensitive to geometry and abstract forms: someone shares a revelation of what you are showing them and gives you a deeper read of what you're doing. There you can see that it takes time and communication to become clear about what your work is about."

Learn more about Joseph's pictures in LFI 03/2021.