Eli Reed Barbershop. Beaufort, South Carolina, USA. 1984.
“I made this photograph in the 1980s while on assignment in South Carolina for People magazine. While my subject was being taken care of in the bar
(...) ber’s chair, I made this photograph of a young boy who brought to mind memories of black-owned barbershops.
Since I was young, I have always felt that spending time in a black barbershop was equivalent to attending church. Each visit was a shared ritualistic experience among the male clients. Everything was discussed; everyone in the shop was close to the action. It was a place of shared mysteries where grown men spoke amongst themselves, sharing life experiences with young boys in a casual way. It carried great weight for the latter who sat quietly listening and learning. It was an educational experience they’d keep close to their hearts for the rest of their lives.”
- Eli Reed © Eli Reed | Magnum Photos
