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Currently based in Brooklyn, New York, Genea Barnes began exhibiting her artful photography in 2005. Her current work has taken her into the streets of over 50 cities where she has photographed hundreds of ghost bikes. 

"Genea Barnes street photography"

When and where did you begin photographing ghost bikes?  

I saw my first ghost bike in Brooklyn in May 2010. It struck me. It felt like someone had punched me in the chest. That was the first ghost bike I photographed. I’ve since traveled to over 50 cities photographing them.

"Genea Barnes photography"

Why — do you suppose — you became so committed to this project?

I feel a special connection to these bikes. I am taken by their intense beauty. Their impact was — and still is — tremendous on me. They remind us of lives that were lost and they remind us to keep safe. I knew, at once, that I wanted not only to photograph them, but to share my findings with others.

"Genea Barnes photography"

Have you any particular message you would like your photos to convey?

I am frustrated by people’s lack of spatial awareness. A ghost bike represents the most grievous outcome of this. A ghost bike, like much of  street art, is a way to call people out. We must all start paying closer attention to our surroundings.

"Genea barnes photography"

Why a book?

I had always hoped that my art would make a difference…that it would raise awareness. And after my first exhibit of ghost bike images, I knew that it could. Not everyone will attend an exhibit, but anyone can check out a book and, hopefully, be moved by it.  We are so distracted by technology that we often forget to pay attention to our surroundings. And the outcome of that can be fatal.

"Genea Barnes photography"

You can find out more about Genea’s remarkable photography project here and help fund her book at her Kickstarter here.  

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The Savage Habbit Mural Project continues to bring an amazing array of murals to nearby Hudson County. Just minutes from NYC, a treasure trove of public artworks can be found. Here’s a sampling:

Angelina Christina, Ease One & Never in Jersey City

angelina-christina-ease-one-never -street-art-savage habbit-NJ

Mike Makatron in Jersey City

Mike-Makatron-street-art-savage-habbit

Smithe, Seher & Kraken in Union City

Smithe-Seher-Kraken-savage-habbit-street-art-Union-City

Smithe-Seher-Kraken-street--art-savage-habbit-NJ

Mata Ruda and Nanook in Jersey City

nanook-mata-ruda savage-habbit-street-art-NJ

To continue showcasing international, national and local artists and enriching the visual landscape of Hudson County with outstanding murals, Savage Habbit recently launched a Kickstarter with wonderfully enticing rewards. Check it out here.

All photos courtesy of Savage Habbit

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