Photographer Francesca Magnani Displays 'People of the Ferry' in Brooklyn at Photoville 2020

On Sunday, September 20, masked crowds flocked to Dumbo for the annual Photoville festival, a series of exhibitions across the city celebrating the works of talented photographers. From September 17 to November 29, Photoville 2020 features over 60 photography displays spread across all five boroughs for the first time — Brooklyn Bridge Park is home to the largest collection with over 40 exhibitions. Last year, Photoville drew in a record amount of spectators, with over 100,000 visitors, 600 photographers and 85 exhibits. While this year’s festival looks a bit different — the exhibitions are more widely spaced than in previous years to encourage social distancing — it allows New York City residents and tourists alike to safely enjoy the city's vibrant art community.

Photoville is just one of the ways that New York City’s culture is persevering in the face of COVID-19. Photographer Francesca Magnani’s contribution to this year’s Photoville festival highlights another city staple that stayed the course of the pandemic: the NYC ferry. Her exhibition, “People of the Ferry: Connection at a Time of Social Distancing,” showcases how the ferry has been an oasis for New Yorkers, allowing them to maintain a feeling of community while social distancing.

“When looking at Francesca's photos, I don't think, ‘Wow, everyone is wearing a mask, we're in the middle of a pandemic,’” said Photoville attendee Richard McGovern, who works in technology. “I think, ‘Wow, that sky is so blue. Look at the colors that guy is wearing. He seems so content. Just happy to be there. Happy to be alive.’”

While photographing her series, Magnani (pictured above) remained impressed by New Yorkers’ resilience and consideration for others in the form of mask-wearing. “When you’re on the ferry, you have a sense of community, you feel like part of a group,” said Magnani. “Wearing masks is just another element of that.”

"The site-specific aspect of Francesca's exhibition makes it particularly engaging," said McGovern. "It's really hard to decide which is more beautiful and impactful, the photography or the view itself."

"The relief and pleasure suggested by [Magnani's photos] don't belittle the seriousness of living through COVID and all the political turmoil, but are rather a reminder that even so, we travel together, we knit the city together, we appreciate light and wind and just being on the water," said Photoville visitor Chris Owen, a writer and immigration activist.

"There is always the moment of connection when [my subjects] will look into each other's eyes and then I take the photo." Magnani said of her favorite aspect of photography. "Even in that instant, I get some humanity out of it."