When Cholita Coffee, a newcomer to Ridgewood, opened its doors last year, co-owner Bryan Siranaula said he wanted to highlight community artist work to fill its white barren walls.
The coffee shop has featured the work of several artists, in addition to partnering with fellow food and coffee entrepreneurs.
July paved the way for another series of new artists and artwork on full display inside of Cholita Coffee — an exploration of photography using different mediums such as film, plywood and wheat paste to feature their work.
Andres Zamora and David Calvo are the minds behind curating the photography installation, which features the work of artists SuhJeen Moon, Leandro Miyaska, Lara Youong and Danilo Escobar.
The installation blends seamlessly with the modest interior size of Cholita, although captivating enough to capture the attention of guests while they enter.
QNS spoke with Calvo to learn more about the work and his background in photography.
Calvo, 26, is originally from Colombia and moved to the United States about three years ago. In his time studying graphic design and photography at the City College of New York, he said he took a deep dive into photography.
Spending time in the dark room to learn and ultimately develop his own film is what Calvo contributes to his roots for the art.
“I think the time spent in the darkroom helped me find that passion for photography. Ultimately I would love to own my own [darkroom],” Calvo shared.
An emphasis on street photography in Calvo’s life — he carries a camera everywhere he goes — ultimately led to the creation of his “Stray Chairs” photo project.
Carefully curated photos along sections of Cholita show the Stray Chairs photos on film. It is a subtle, yet interpretive work that demonstrates a common theme found on almost every street, from Colorado, to Mexico and even Queens, he explained.
“In order to make something compelling, you have to connect with the moment. You just have to be aware of what’s happening around you and what catches your eye,” Calvo said. “Also, I do believe chairs are a universal language, because you know, they’re everywhere. And we all use them.”
For other artists part of the curated work, their focus aims to reimagine the past and connect those moments to the present day.
Leandro Miyasaka, 24, originally comes from Brazil and moved to the U.S. to continue his studies in photography. He studied at the International Center of Photography, where he fully explored photography.
Miyasaka’s body of work focuses on resurfacing the photos of his grandfather with the use of his large archival negatives. He also seeks to replicate the styles seen in his grandfather’s work in his own practice.
“I’m trying to merge themes that are so distant from now, because his work was made during the ’60s and ’70s and I’m trying to make that into my own photography, which is made now in the 21st century,” Miyasaka explained.
Photography is embedded in Miyasaka’s life. He works at the Nice Flim Club in Brooklyn while continuing his own work. He has also taken to shooting on a Nikon and a medium format Rolleiflex, which he said has gained popularity among some photographers.
Another photographer hailing from a notable part of South America is Danilo Escobar. As a Colombian photographer living in the city, Escobar has been able to explore his passions for analog photography, focusing on capturing the world on the street.
“My objective is to find genuine, everyday moments that portray urban life with honesty and rawness, giving viewers a fresh perspective on the city and its people,” Escobar said in an interview with QNS.
Cholita Coffee has stayed true to highlighting the many cultures in the area, especially those of South American origin like the many photographers on display.
However, one of the larger eye-popping artworks on display comes from Andres Zamora. His work, featured on what appears to be a clothing rack, was created using plywood and wheat paste.
Ridgewood residents and neighboring passersby are encouraged to visit the Cholita Coffee, located at 866 Onderdonk Ave., before the end of the month to view the artwork themselves. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
