Puerto Rican New Yorker co-founded a collective elevating Hispanic photographers and showcasing city barrio life.
Charles Biasiny-Rivera, a renowned street photographer, dedicated his life to capturing the essence of New York City’s barrios in the 1970s. His approach to photography was not just about capturing images but also about building trust with the communities he documented. In a recent interview, he emphasized the importance of establishing a rapport with the people in the neighborhoods he photographed to avoid standing out as a stranger. This approach allowed him to capture candid moments and authentic expressions without disrupting the natural flow of life in these communities.
Born of Puerto Rican descent, Biasiny-Rivera faced challenges as a minority photographer in a predominantly white industry. Despite the lack of representation for Latino photographers at the time, he persevered and used his work to challenge stereotypes and showcase the rich cultural heritage of his community. Through his lens, he sought to amplify the voices of those often marginalized and overlooked in mainstream media.
Biasiny-Rivera’s legacy extends beyond his photography. He was a trailblazer in advocating for diversity and inclusion in the art world, paving the way for future generations of minority artists to thrive. His commitment to capturing the raw beauty of everyday life in the barrios of New York City resonates with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries and inspiring a new wave of street photographers to document the world around them authentically.
On August 10, Biasiny-Rivera passed away at the age of 93 at his home in Olivebridge, N.Y. His wife, Betty Wilde-Biasiny, cited complications from lung cancer as the cause of his death. Despite his passing, Biasiny-Rivera’s impact on the photography world and his dedication to representing underrepresented communities continue to inspire and empower aspiring photographers to tell their stories through the lens of inclusivity and authenticity.
Source: The NY Times
