American Beach: A Haven in the Time of Storm serves as a time capsule of Black recreation and joy on American Beach. Captured during the summers of 1988-1990, longtime photojournalist Bob Self offers an intimate look at life and community on Florida’s historic black beach.
The duotone photographs mark nearly four decades of Self letting his days at the beach be guided by events, invitations to sit and have a beer, attend a social gathering, or share a meal.
More than a photography exhibition, American Beach documents the oral history of the beach community with individuals who hold strong ties to the pre-1960s segregated days at the beach.
With both the exhibition and book, Self hopes the viewer will discover American Beach the same way he did nearly four decades ago — one moment at a time.
Image Credits:
Bob Self (American, b. 1959), Playing on the beach renourishment pipes. July 4, 1989, 1989, American Beach: A Haven in the Time of Storm book project, duotone print. © Bob Self, 1988, 1989, 1990.
Bob Self (American, b. 1959), In the doorway of El Patio. June 10, 1989, 1989, American Beach: A Haven in the Time of Storm book project, duotone print. © Bob Self, 1988, 1989, 1990.
Bob Self (American, b. 1959), Looking at the beach from the back porch of the Rendezvous. June 4, 1989, 1989, American Beach: A Haven in the Time of Storm book project, duotone print. © Bob Self, 1988, 1989, 1990.
Bob Self (American, b. 1959), Approaching storm. June 18, 1989, 1989, American Beach: A Haven in the Time of Storm book project, duotone print. © Bob Self, 1988, 1989, 1990.