Elmhurst, Queens, New York
The busyness of Elmhurst serves as a dynamic backdrop, ever-present throughout the day and night. The series “Pause” aims to showcase the beauty and wonder of Elmhurst in juxtaposition with the sights, sounds, and smells that often overwhelm our senses. It can be challenging to slow down in the city, even in Queens, but when one does, beauty comes into focus.
Just as uncommon as flowers are in this concrete jungle, so is pausing to admire the blips of natural beauty dotted here and there.
The first set of photographs showcases vibrant garden flowers in macro from various front yards in the neighborhood, contrasting with the wildflowers in the bioswales (rain gardens) on the sidewalks.
The second set of photos highlights the sky, particularly during sunset against the backdrop of the streets and cars.
Sunset time emphasize the importance of a singular moment of pause, as even the passing of thirty seconds changes how the sunset looks.
The last photo is a callback to the pandemic era in April 2020 at 2:19 pm. Normally, the 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue train station is like a waterfall of salmon, with flows of people moving against each other.
Yet, many were at home during
that time, save for the heroic essential workers who kept a city that never sleeps—
one that doesn’t pause—
on its feet.
Norman Joeng is a NYC-based photographer with a keen eye for the abstract and the often overlooked moments of life.
Growing up in Elmhurst, Queens, he has witnessed the neighborhood's transformation while capturing its enduring spirit—a vibrant tapestry of hustle, grit, and the dynamic interplay of over 300 languages and cultures.
Within Elmhurst, Norman seeks to document the essence of a community that has steadily evolved, yet remains deeply rooted in its unique identity.