Stephen Cysewski Revisits Tacoma
Stephen Cysewski photographed Tacoma during some of its … more challenging years; the early 1980’s. His photos have become inspiration for many contemporary photographers and have appeared on this site, in City Arts Magazine, and are currently on display in City Hall. We met Stephen last year when he visited, and photographed, Old City Hall.
Last month, Stephen revisited Tacoma and brought his camera. His photos capture the city we all know and love in a new light. Here are just a few of the photos. Follow the link for even more. Enjoy.
Link to Wandering in Tacoma – May 2008
Link to the orginal Wandering in Tacoma
Filed under: Arts
8 comments
K Karen June 11, 2008
Those 1980’s photos tell the story well. I see good things in those pictures, something that was lovable even back then. There is something valuable in the grit and challenge, pictures of opportunities and transition. You have to love your city even in its “ugly” times or it will never get better.
So many of these shots are of the UWT area – a great reminder of what a catalyst that investment has been for Tacoma. We should continue to thank the visionaries like Dawn Lucien, Herb Simon and others who fought for years to make this dream a reality.
That’s my philosophical meandering for today…
M Mofo from the Hood June 11, 2008
Let’s put building structures into the context of one of Tacoma’s 2008 vital issues: Russell Investments.
The object of all the time, energy and money directed by Tacoma toward Russell is to keep their PEOPLE here.
Nobody cares if they stay in their current building—-it’s never been a significant part of the bargaining.
You can love Tacoma’s buildings. Just don’t LOVE Tacoma’s buildings.
R RR Anderson June 11, 2008
Cysewski’s photos fill me with existential dread no matter what the decade. Nice work.
Mofo: are you going to use one of these photos in your photo analysis blog feature or are you going to do the zesty lady car-interior one again?
A A R Campbell June 11, 2008
I have to say, there are some good photos in the mix there, but all in all, I’m not really impressed by Stephen’s work in Tacoma. The photos are bland and lack action or punctum. It could be argued that Tacoma is much the same way, but I dissagree. I think there’s action to be found here when you’re willing to look for it. The 80’s shots are far better, but only for their novelty. The recent versions look a little like a tourist snapping test pictures to play with a new camera before heading home to shoot the real thing. These are not photos of someone who feels connceted to Tacoma, that much is clear; Tacoma is a photo paradise and these pictures don’t strike me as products of that environment… Am I alone in that belief??
J Jesse June 11, 2008
Tacoma is a photo paradise – I agree! It’s got it all; the Sound, the grittiness, the un-grittiness… What’s missing is pictures of churches! I’m from Portland originally and believe me when I say Tacoma has more than it’s fair share of great churches.
What struck me most about the photos though is how far Tacoma has come since the 80’s. Wow! Honestly, I would have never relocated here for work in the 80’s with the look of things. I had heard from some of my local friends that Tacoma has come a long way in a short amount of time but I never could have realized THIS. Way to go and don’t give up on what’s left Tacoma!
A A R Campbell June 12, 2008
For those of you more interested in shameless plugs of the non-professional nature (yes, those do exist):
flickr.com/photos/andrewrcampbell
E Erik B. June 12, 2008
Looks like some areas have improve, and yet, others have not at all.
At any rate, great photos.
N NSHDscott June 15, 2008
Those are great, Andrew. The Luzon, Tacoma Corn, and Thea Foss Sneakery are my faves.