Stuart Allen Levy

Artist Statement

In my neck of the woods, there are a number of small family owned neighborhood grocery stores. Most are owned by immigrant families working to give their children a piece of the American Dream. These markets are becoming an endangered species, succumbing to the forces of gentrification. In the past few years, we’ve seen one become a high end steakhouse, one is now a wood fired pizzeria, and another is a fancy pet supply shop. The pattern seems clear-as neighborhoods become more affluent, residents look to do their shopping at more upscale markets and store rents skyrocket. I’ve attempted to capture my subject at a time of day that best illustrates its character and color, which has often been at night, when their bright lights illuminate a beacon for shoppers hungry, thirsty, craving a smoke or looking to take a chance on a lottery jackpot.

Stuart Allen Levy | Portland, Oregon

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