hugo is a doorman, my muse for a photojournalism project i did this week. i followed hugo throughout the course of three days and experienced what it is like to be a doorman and be behind the scenes of what makes an apartment building function. hugo is a kind and compassionate soul, warmly welcoming me into his world and inspired me in both my photography but also as a person.

hugo silva migrated from guatemala when he was nine years old and grew up in the bronx. he started working at 25 park west in his early twenties after finishing college and needed a job that supported him financially. He explained to me that his uncle had already worked at this apartment building and offered him a job. 27 years later and hugo is still answering phone calls at the front desk and opening doors to the building's residents.

​ “to me, the culture of this city (new york city) is the people that walk through this door every day”. - Hugo Silva

hugo truly is a selfless man who cares for his clients and is truly a hard worker. hugo is a representation of the working class of new york city; the grit, determination, and struggle that makes this city his home.