Collection: Joseph V. Labolito

Bio

Joseph V. Labolito was born and raised in the Frankford-Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia. He began his photography career working with portrait studios while still in high school. Over time, his work expanded to include a variety of subjects such as still life, architecture, health care, athletics, set design, and special effects.

For over four decades, Joe has been capturing the vibrant essence of the city of Philadelphia. His collection of photographs documents this city of neighborhoods, creating a deeply personal and authentic perspective. These images are not just snapshots, they are a reflection of the city from the inside out, inviting viewers worldwide to journey through time to celebrate the progress and evolution of Philadelphia.

His work is in numerous public and private collections, including the Special Collections Research Center in the Charles Library at Temple University and the Free Library’s Print and Picture Collection, which houses nearly 1,300 images.

Artist Statement

"My photographic journey has been a lifelong exploration of the city I love, Philadelphia. I have captured the essence of this vibrant metropolis, its neighborhoods, people, and evolving landscape. My collection is a visual time capsule, a portrait of Philadelphia throughout the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s.

Within this collection is the birth and demolition of buildings, iconic skylines, bustling intersections, cozy row houses, resilient boxers, and hardworking business owners—all seen through the eyes of a local. Most of these original images were meticulously shot with a Large Format camera on black and white negatives and archaically processed Selenium toned silver prints, preserving the essence of each moment.

These photographs are meant to be viewed over time. My work is a celebration of our past and present, and all of the communities that have brought us to where we are today. They are a testament to the enduring human spirit and the rich tapestry of life in Philadelphia."

‍