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Loneliness is New York’s leitmotif. This feeling is palpable everywhere in New York City—a place filled with 8 million people, many of whom are immigrants and transplants. There are different shades of it: the loneliness of an Uber driver who fled Venezuela, leaving his family behind, who sighs with relief when I quickly switch to Spanish; the loneliness that emanates from the people I talk to on dating apps; the loneliness of the middle-aged Ukrainian woman at my local supermarket, who tells me in Russian that I remind her of her son, who she left behind in a war-torn country and who she hasn’t seen in two years.

Finally, the loneliness of someone who doesn’t believe in a god, someone who is slowly starting to come to terms with the fundamental randomness and uncertainty in our world. All of these real people exist on the margins of the fast-paced world that is New York.

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I moved to New York from Europe in 2014 after having been on the road for over a decade—I’d lived in six different countries, changing location every year. I came to New York in order to pursue a photography career. During a three-month-long visit to the city a few years ago, a street photography series was born that I felt I wanted to finish.

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The Singular Loneliness Of New York City

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Timothy Mathews
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being around people doesn't always equal not being lonely. Sometimes people close to you make you feel more alone than when you're actually alone.

Aunt Messy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lonely? He's reading a newspaper. That's not a group activity.

Jaime Levy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This man doesn't seem lonely at all... what was captured here is a man enjoying a nice quiet time!

Christopher Walkies
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NONE of these photos portray actual loneliness. Many are far from it. Very nice pics though! Consider changing the headline.

Joe D
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being alone does not necessarily mean being lonely

Christine K
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have always hated seeing sights like this. Makes my heart so heavy.

Lizard Queen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why? You're assuming he does not wish to be alone. He might be happy for a quiet moment with his paper.

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People from all walks of life share the streets of Manhattan—this bizarre Tower of Babel is a true feast for photography art. And yet, it’s a constant struggle: one day, the city fascinates me. The next, I’ve had enough.

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The Singular Loneliness Of New York City

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Christine K
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture gave me a calming feeling though - like he's just savoring the silence and stillness.

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There are so many crowds in New York, and there are also so many lonely people. This is not only because there are many of us here who are newcomers without family or friends nearby; the technology that has slowly taken over our lives, separating us from one another, also plays a part.

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The Singular Loneliness Of New York City

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Sophia Cai
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's just a persistent guy, or one that doesn't want to lose to his friends :)

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Ironically, despite New York’s density, it is not hard to feel alone. So many people here are focused on money or their careers. It often feels like no one has any energy left for emotional conversation, for relationships. Although it isn’t difficult to find company, many of the interactions we have with each other are empty and meaningless. It’s easy to be lonely and anonymous in a city like this. It’s easy to get lost.

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Nebraska King-Sky
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the only one that looks lonely to me. Being alone doesn't make one lonely. Loneliness can be experienced in a room full of people...even people you know. Personally, I enjoy quiet, contemplative time to myself.

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Christine K
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one isn't lonely for me - I just think that she's rushing home to make dinner :D

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