VENDORS OF NEWKIRK
Ask Brooklyn residents how they would describe their community, and they would have to say "diverse." Diversity exists because of the large number of immigrants who populate Brooklyn. Mitch of Hot Bagels; Antonio of Chou-Chou Service; Ali of Plaza Grocery: Nina Talbot has painted local shopkeepers around her corner; workers in their stores. These painted stories of working people in their everyday lives highlight themes of immigration and gentrification against the backdrop of old-time New York. They are woven together in a colorful and upbeat tapestry-like format.

The inspiration for the "Vendors of Newkirk" series came when artist Nina Talbot reflected on her Flatbush neighborhood. What will this place and these people look like in ten years, or in fifty years? Will the storekeeper from Tajikistan and the one from Hong Kong hold on to their uniqueness, or will they mesh entirely into a homogenous American landscape? Nina Talbot's portraits grapple with these questions.

Already tinged with nostalgia for a community in constant and rapid transition, these portraits serve as mementos of an evanescent moment.

Trina of Fisherman's Cove  oil/linen   48" x 46"   2006

Fatima of New Royal Fabrics  oil/linen   42" x 34"   2006

Susan of Double Dragon
oil/linen
55" x 54"
2006

Rita of Plaza Hair
oil/canvas
60" x 54"
2006

Hot Bagels
oil/linen
46" x 50"
2005

Antonio of Chou-chou Service
oil/linen
50" x 48"
2005

Nick of Newkirk Liquors
oil/linen
44" x 44"
2005

Paul of Almac Hardware
oil/canvas
52" x 50"
2005

Alex of One Hour Photo
oil/linen
44" x 36"
2005

Sasha of Alex's Shoes
oil/linen
36" x 42"
2005

Ali of Plaza Grocery
oil/linen
52" x 42"
2006

Young's Fish Market
oil/linen
46" x 52"
2006

African Queen Market
oil/linen
48" x 42"
2006

Leon's Fantasy Cut
oil/linen
50" x 50"
2005