“‘Young New York’, Ethan James Green’s first monograph, presents a selection of striking portraits of New York’s millennial scene-makers, a gloriously diverse cast of models, artists, nightlife icons, queer youth, and gender binary–flouting muses of the fashion world and beyond. Under the mentorship of the late David Armstrong,” writes publisher Aperture. Green developed a sensitive and confident style and an intense connection with his subjects; his luminous black-and-white portraits, many taken in Corlears Hook Park on the Lower East Side, bring to mind Diane Arbus’s midcentury studies of gender nonconformists. Although he often shoots on commission for fashion brands and magazines, for ‘Young New York’, Green photographed his close friends and community for more than three years, and his humanist approach transcends the trends of the moment.”

Model and actress Hari Nef, one of Green’s frequent subjects, “In Ethan’s world, the kids who inspire him ought to be (and are) the subjects of his work. Ethan is an artist among so-called image makers.”

In a new interview with Vogue Italia, Green explains his first connection with Nef in New York at the Up & Down nightclub. It came at a time when he was new in New York, didn’t have many friends, and didn’t even admit that he was gay.

The former Calvin Klein model had appeared in a suggestive ‘gay’ jeans ad. Green was concerned that being out would result in his losing jobs or being forced to go to bed with someone. Seeing Nef for the first time, Green thought ‘I must photograph her’.

In another interview with Lens Culture, Green describes himself as being obsessed with Hari Nef and her crowd. “The second time we shot, she brought 3 friends with her. From there it all worked like a ripple effect. I started meeting more and more people and they would connect me with more people on Instagram and Tumblr… “

“I truly believe the kids I am photographing today are the new icons.” His kids include many people from the trans, non-binary, and queer communities often credited with unleashing a fresh wave of youth art, fashion, and nightlife culture in New York.

Green captures his subjects In parks and on city streets, perhaps in softly-lit alleys across New York. Whatever the backdrop, Green portrays his subjects with a deeply touching simplicity.

Green hopes, “when people look at my pictures, they see the subjects as fellow human beings”, writes Lens Culture.

Green explains, “There are many different cities in one. Many of my subjects have come to New York as a way of survival and escape. Recently, there have been more and more kids coming from across the country to join this rapidly growing circle. Thanks to social media, they are able to link up with other people and couch surf until they get their feet on the ground. Social media has made New York DIY, a new Wild West. It’s a place that anyone can come and succeed.”