MORTENSON, Ray. Ledger: South Bronx, New York City, 1982-1984.

(New York, NY): L. Parker Stephenson Photographs, 2023. First edition. Softcover. 37.1cm by 28.6cm. Unpaginated. Nice publication prepared by L. Parker Stephenson Photographs for Paris Photo 2023. The work serves as an introduction to Mortenson’s vintage work from his South Bronx series. In the early 80s Mortenson roamed the largely deserted streets of New York’s crumbling South Bronx neighborhoods, documenting the effects of the urban economic crisis that plagued America in the 1970s. Recalling conceptual and Becher-like strategies while remaining grounded in a stark documentary impulse. Mortenson’s focus is resolutely architectural: boarded windows, fire-scarred masonry, collapsing structures, and residual traces of habitation, all rendered in a restrained, tonally rich black-and-white palette. A very good copy, folded loose sheets.