How We Lived
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2025-02-25T10:58:31-06:00
"But this is Chicago, where we can – and we do. After all, we know about autumn in March, spring in a blink, and the constant promise of summer."
– Achy Obejas
Chicagoans found simple joys in moments throughout their daily routines. It is these mundane moments that reveal the most about how Chicagoans lived. A Chicagoan might start their day by admiring the city skyline, a breathtaking vista that many take for granted. As winter's chill sets in, scraping the snow off a car window becomes a familiar morning ritual. Walking past a Blockbuster, with its neon lights and rows of VHS tapes, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. At the local laundromat, the hum of dryers provides a backdrop for moments of reflection and connection as residents wait for their clothes to dry. These experiences often go unnoticed, maybe overshadowed by the popularity of Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, or the noise of the L train ramps that rage overhead.
CITY 2000 photographers had an eye for capturing these authentic glimpses of life. Their work revealed the humanity in the ordinary, showing Chicagoans as they truly were—engaged in the rhythm of their day-to-day lives. By documenting these small joys and routines, they preserved the heartbeat of the city for future generations to appreciate and understand. CITY 2000 reminds us that the beauty of a city lies not just in its landmarks and famous events, but in the simple, fleeting moments that define everyday existence.
Scroll down to see a selection of photographs that explore "How We Lived." Clicking on any image will open its "media file" page, click the x in the top right corner to close the image and return to this exhibit page.
