NEXT PLEASE
JOSEPH FAMMARTINO
My new book is now available for purchase!
This portfolio of images started more than 20 years ago as a spontaneous departure for me into the arena of photo documentary. These images are of “Old Style” barbershops and the wonderful era of American culture that they represent. This version of “Americana” is slowly evaporating with the new big-box and franchise hair salons.
My enthusiasm for this project is based on the premise that the barbershop was, and still is, an essential social setting, truly unique as a forum for open, unrestricted discussions of all types of community and personal issues, such as politics, sports, religion, family dynamics and local gossip! All of this is contained in a safe setting for expression without hostility.
I have found most barbershops are similar, but the surroundings are a unique reflection of the barber. While one quotes Dante’s “Inferno” with a customer, another shares stories from his days as a member of an East LA Chicano gang in the 1950s.
I wanted to capture this piece of Americana as a dreamlike state observed through windows, blurred images, and reflective moments. The characters that hang on the walls and shelves tell many stories of the personalities of the barbers.
I hope you enjoy my book, and it leads you to share it with others.
JF
Book details:
- 10" x 12.5”
- 184 pages Beautifully Hardbound with Dust Jacket
- Printed on 100 lbs. Satin Text stock
- 140 B&W and Color Images
- Author’s commentary on select images