Meryl Meisler’s ‘Street Walker’ is a Time Capsule of 1970s America

a black and white photograph of a crowd of people watching and waving in front of a vessel that reads "color television"

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Graflex Norita in hand, Meryl Meisler walked the streets of 1970s America and boldly photographed transient moments of coincidence.

From dimly lit discos and charming carhops to bustling streets and suburban homes, the photographer carried her medium-format camera everywhere she went. Inviting viewers to an intimate perspective of a country facing a dynamic era of disillusionment, individuality, and eclecticism, these poignant photographs are curated into her forthcoming monograph, Street Walker.

a black and white photograph of a waitress approaching a car serving a tray of food at a drive-in — “A&W Carhop” (1970). North of San Francisco, California

The New York-based photographer received her first camera as a gift from her parents on her 7th birthday and aptly named it “The Adventurer.” From early on, Meisler’s subjects were family, friends, and special childhood memories. In her adulthood, these pillars remained as she continued to spotlight close relationships and the different places she lived, worked, traveled to, and frequented. “My surroundings always influence my life and artwork. It’s where I am and what makes me smile,” she says.

Centering different neighborhoods, walks of life, and oftentimes the LGBTQ+ community, Meisler’s photos offer a distant glimpse into the social change that developed a more diverse cultural landscape within the United States. About five decades later, however, it’s clear that the country is still experiencing many of the same systemic obstacles it did back then. Meisler says:

As a culture, we have made great strides in social issues such as equal rights and opportunity for people of all races, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, sexual and gender identities, and freedom of choice. Wait— NO! We are still battling—being pushed backward. We must move forward. Please Vote!

Street Walker is available for pre-order from Eyeshot until September 30. The limited-edition book will only be printed once, so make sure you secure your copy today. And as always, you can find more on the artist’s website and Instagram.

a black and white photograph of children climbing and hanging upside down as they play on a jungle gym — “Jungle Gym (Elaine, Juan, Leslie, Suzanne & Kids)” (1980). New York, New York

a black and white photograph of a woman cleaning the glass through a door — “Marion Windexes Window” (1976). North Massapequa, New York

a black and white photograph of a child standing next to a car while someone is underneath for maintenance — “Fixing Car Jacked Up on Beck St” (1978). The Bronx, New York

a black and white photograph of a dog with three legs wearing a cone, sniffing a fire hydrant — “Coned Canine Sniffs Hydrant Near Judi” (1978). Jupiter, New York, New York

a black and white photograph of a man standing in the doorway of a news van parked on the city street — “Man in Van” (1978). Times Square, New York, New York

a black and white photograph of two sets of legs as two individuals dance together — “Long Hair & Bell Bottoms Dance at Going My Way” (1978). Madison, Wisconsin

a black and white photograph of twins in a stroller next to another stroller with a doll in it — “Twin Toddlers and Doll in Strollers” (1978). New York, New York

a black and white photograph of a child wearing a btaman costume standing in front of a sign that says "movies 25 cents" — “MOVIES 25¢ Bat Boy” (1977). New Orleans, Louisiana

a black and white photograph of the inside of a salon is the cover image for a book titled "street walker" by meryl meisler.

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