PHOTOGRAPHY
© 2019 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
Walking north on Humboldt Boulevard in Logan Square, you’re immediately embraced by the vintage charm of the early 20th century homes and the green space of a grand old boulevard of a bygone era. And then you can stumble upon something like this. This is a book renting box that have been popping up in certain neighborhoods in Chicago lately. I was very fond of this particular one. RIP David Bowie.
©2019 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
The first in a series of photos I took while visiting Pilsen. I’ve been to this Near South Side  (of Chicago) neighborhood a lot recently. It’s rich with Mexican heritage. Murals are everywhere and they all tell stories and speak loudly.
©2019 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
Saw this while heading to the Western Brown Line stop. I was messing around with Hipstamatic at the time. It reminds me of some of the cross-processing experiments I did back in the 90’s. Cross Processing for those who don’t know is where you would shoot color slide film and then have it processed in C-41 color print film development. This rather rogue method would create exaggerated contrast and color shifts to the images.
©2019 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
So about twenty five years ago, the former LaSalle Bank had a mural depicting a tragic arson fire where three firefighters lost their lives. It was a huge mural and was magnificent. Then, sometime in the late 90’s to early 2000’s, Bank of America said it needed remove the mural due to weather damage. In response to the outcry of taking the original away, the bank commissioned some artists to remake the mural on a billboard away from the bank’s wall. The newer mural, although a close copy, does not quite live up to the original’s emotion and grace.
©2019 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
This great old sign was beckoning for me to capture it one day in 1996. Diversey-River Bowl is located on Logan Boulevard and Diversey Parkway. Much of the area has changed since this photo was taken. New condo lofts and retail have taken over by the river, Â removing the grittiness the area once had. Today, Â the sign has been updated with a LED readout. The Lathrop Homes (public housing complex) Â just east of there remains as the city is currently renovating them.
©2019 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
It’s amazing how much this area has changed since I stood in the cold drizzle to photograph this scene. This was near Chicago Avenue and Odgen. New homes went up around here since then and a lot of the older homes were rehabbed. That day, I was more interested in capturing the low clouds that shrouded the skyline. Didn’t quite see how much would change in twenty years.
©2019 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
I found this mural striking. I was walking up Damen Avenue one fall afternoon and stopped in my tracks. I took out my iPhone and captured this. It wasn’t until later that I realized what a strong image it was.
(c) 2018 Michael Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
I love 90 Miles Cafe. It has a great atmosphere and it has great Cuban cuisine. When going to use the restroom, you have to cross the dining area into an adjacent house which has extra seating and the restrooms. I stumbled upon some great murals when entering. I almost missed the life like statue if not for the employee (who was on a break at the time) pointing it out to me.
© 2018 Mike Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
Simon’s Tavern has been in existence since 1934. It is iconic in the Andersonville neighborhood. Located on North Clark Street, it has endured gentrification. While places have come and gone, this old school hangout remains open. The lighted Swedish flag is proudly represented.
© 2018 Mike Priorie. All Rights Reserved.
Remember these? Once upon a time your parents would always tell you to keep some change on you in case you needed to call home. In the days before cell phones, this was the only way to make a call while not at home. Pay phones have been disappearing for years and I was surprised to still see one at the Harlem blue line station while waiting for my bus. Â It was the perfect set up of lighting and nostalgia.
MICHAEL A. PRIORIE 