MOVING PIECES

The Chess Circle of Washington Squre Park

"Moving Pieces" is a Photo Documentary about the chess players in New York City's Washington Square Park.
I visited the park every day from March 14th through April 18th, 2007. Being perpetually fearful of outsiders and how the circle might be perceived, almost every player pleaded with me at one point or another to be "fair" in my documenting of them. They felt that there were many misconceptions about the chess circle and the people that frequent it. An unsavory element has penetrated the park in recent years. There are many days where drug dealers outnumber chess players and they find that trend very disturbing. The players themselves will often "police" the circle the best they can. It's usually very effective.

During the five weeks I spent shooting in the park, I was lucky enough to be accepted and befriended by almost all of the regulars in the park. This is dedicated to them and their quest to keep the park clean, safe and endlessly fascinating.
 
For Simon, Wayne, Sam, Sweet Pea, Earl, Nate, Joe, J.P and Nick.

Click Here to listen to Geoff Beckstrom interview Tony about the "Moving Pieces Project"