Manhattan Noir: John Fensten's Photographs of New York City in the 1980s - Flashbak

John Fensten (American, New York, 1936-2001) studied acting with the world-renowned Actor’s Studio with Lee and Susan Strasberg in the late 1950s, early 1960s. He appeared on the critically acclaimed CBS television anthology drama series Playhouse 90. And was a longtime resident of New York’s East Village.

Like Rich Allen and Anthony Catalano, John’s work is worthy of a wide audience. And like Rich, he too worked as a bike messenger in Manhattan, taking pictures as he scooted about the city.

It’s thanks to his photographer daughter Susan Fenster that we can now see John’s evocative work. He took many pictures but, sadly, many were lost. so let’s enjoy what we have. And, as ever, imagine the stories between…