Francesca Stolke

@Hoicloud_

NYC Court Culture

NYC Court Culture is a photography series that celebrates the vital role of New York City's public basketball courts as spaces for emotional expression, community, and social interaction. These courts act as microcosms of the city's cultural diversity, where players from all backgrounds come together, united by their shared love of the game.

Through black-and-white, documentary-style photography, the project captures the raw emotions and unique dynamics that unfold in these spaces, highlighting how they serve as environments for negotiating racial identities, expressing male intimacy, fostering intergenerational interactions, and offering a place of refuge. By showcasing the stories of everyday players, NYC Court Culture aims to honor underrepresented communities, emphasizing these courts' significance as sanctuaries for identity and belonging within the urban landscape.

CLICK image to enlarge

About Francesca

I am a New York City-based photographer whose multicultural upbringing in Hell’s Kitchen profoundly influences my work. Growing up in a family that blends Ecuadorian, Jewish, German, and Korean cultures, I bring a unique perspective to my photography, using it as a medium to explore the intersections of identity, community, and human connection.

Having grown up in NYC, I’ve been drawn to street and documentary photography, where I focus on capturing authentic interactions. My artistic journey is a blend of photography and psychology, two fields that allow me to explore human emotion and connection in depth. Specializing in black-and-white film photography, I’m drawn to its raw, timeless quality, which I believe enhances the emotional depth of my images. With a background in psychology, I delve into the psychological and emotional undertones of my subjects, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the world around us.

As a female photographer of color, I am committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and creating visibility through my work. My photography focuses on capturing the everyday moments of urban life, particularly the vibrant culture of New York City’s public basketball courts, which is the focus of my current project. Through my lens, I aim to not only document but celebrate the rich stories within these communities.