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5 in 5 with Photographer, Andre Wagner

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The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” – Chuck Palahniuk

The quote above is the perfect segue for introducing, Andre Wagner, a NYC-based photographer destined to leave a lasting legacy with his poignant, artistic photos. He specializes in street photography, but not the peacock-chasing imagery we’ve gotten so used to in the fashion world. Andre’s stunning black and white photos depict the ethos of contemporary Americana in its realest and rawest form. There are no filters, no digital trickery; just the candid faces and emotions emanating from the film negatives he delicately develops himself. His work has already been featured in prestigious exhibitions both stateside and internationally, and there are major things in store for next year.

He stopped by our O.N.S space in Soho, and we turned the lens on him for a quick “5 question” interview and accompanying shoot. Read on below, and be sure to scroll all the way to the end to view a gallery of his NY-centric photographs.

Can you explain the essence of your passion for photography?
The essence of my passion for photography stems from the search for meaning of life around me. Maybe that meaning is in metaphors, or maybe there is real truth to it. The core for me is always that the inner feeling.

What is your favorite place to shoot in NYC?
I  like to shoot everywhere—but I find myself in Bushwick and Midtown mostly.

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You have a photography book coming out next year, can you tell us what we can expect?
The book is a series of images that I’ve made on the subway for about three years. Even though the subway is the theme, I’m constantly going back to to the ideas of humanity, life and how we share space, and the middle space before one arrives at their destination.

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SHOP THE LOOK


Name 5 well-known personalities (past or present) that you’d love to photograph?
Garry Winnogrand, Malcolm X, Michael Jordan, My grandfather, James Baldwin.

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What is the most rewarding compliment you’ve ever received about your photos?
I try not to internalize compliments too much, so I don’t think I can name one. But it’s great to know that other people enjoy the work that you spend so much time making.

“I’m always searching for the unknown, even if the everyday seems familiar.”

Andre Wagner talks about #TheAdventureLife:
My first time traveling overseas was an unforgettable adventure. I went to Europe by myself, and I went to all these places that I had never been before and didn’t really know what to expect but I was open to every experience in front of me. It’s pretty similar to my process in photography when I walk outside everyday; I’m always searching for the unknown even if the everyday seems familiar.

See a gallery below of Andre Wagner’s photography that we dubbed “Farewell Summer.” Keep up with him on Instagram at: @photodre


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