martha cooper

The tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York City is a sobering one, marking a fundamental shift in how Americans viewed the world and how the world viewed America. But, in the wake of devastation and loss, the true spirit of New York City dusted off the debris to mourn, heal and recover, oftentimes with very public displays on sidewalks, streetlamps, stoops and homes.

Martha Cooper's photographs of street memorials erected in the days following the September 11 attacks comprise a touching and poignant look at how a city of many millions responded in so many ways, ranging from angry accusations to loving remembrances and prayers for peace. With messages in multiple languages rooted in many different cultures, these photographs reflect New York City's resilient and diverse citizens whom together make up the greatest city in the world.

Martha Cooper is a photojournalist specializing in art and anthropology. She is among the handful of photographers who methodically documented subway graffiti during the 1970s and 1980s. Her body of work is the most extensive and significant of its kind, and is featured in her many books, including Subway Art, Tag Town and New York State of Mind, as well as the two MBP titles Going Postal and Name Tagging. Cooper is Director of Photography for New York Center for Urban Folk Culture.