Online Exhibition
The Lams of Ludlow Street
Thomas Holton
Curated by Michael, Franklin, and Cindy Lam
Words by Michael Lam and Thomas Holton
Introduction
Thomas Holton first met the Lams, a family of five, in 2003. The family lived in a 350-square-foot apartment on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Initially drawn to their tight living condition, Holton’s earlier photographs, while true, only represented the surface. Over time, Holton became part of the family, picking the kids up from school, and going on trips with them. He didn’t always photograph them, but their gradual bond allowed for a more intimate and nuanced portrait of the family.
In the later chapters of this series, when Holton again photographed the Lams, the family dynamics were different. The images were beyond that of a family struggling with their physical space or assimilation. The children were becoming teenagers, the father struggled with consistent employment and a marriage that was dissolving. We soon realized Holton was telling a story of an American family of Chinese descent rather than a simplified essay of a Chinese family living in America.
In this online exhibition, complementing the four works exhibited in the window gallery, are 26 images selected by the three children of the Lams, adding another layer of perspective to the story.
Zooming with Cindy, 2021.
“We drove to visit Michael at college in the fall of 2014. Cindy and I were in one car, while Steven and Franklin drove in the other. I had already made that trip earlier in the summer with Shirley and Michael to drop him off for freshman orientation. At that moment, I realized how strange and wonderful life can be: the flower girl from my wedding was sleeping next to me while I drove to visit her brother.” Thomas
Sunday Off From Trader Joe’s, 2020.
Home Alone, 2019.
Make-up Before Sunday Dim Sum, 2019.
“Image is important, mom often says. Keeping in touch with friends and family takes time, but it is always something that mom finds a way to do.” Michael
New Sleeping Arrangements, 2019.
Winter Break, 2019.
“My breaks visiting home were always too short, and also too long. For me, finding new normals was always the hardest part while growing up.” Michael
New Roommate's Bed, 2018.
Everybody Home for Christmas, 2018.
“Sometimes we pick up as if nothing happened in between. The place looks different every time I look at it, but it is still familiar to me.” Michael
A Month Before College, 2018.
“I worry a lot about my family and how they are in my absence. I try not to think too much about it, but such joy and relief I feel each time I come home to find that everyone is carrying on. It gives me confidence that I can carry on whatever it is I set out to do.” Michael
New Bronx Bedroom
Remarried in China
Spring Break, 2014.
A Stern Lecture, 2014.
“In this photograph, my dad is giving a pep talk to Franklin. Communication is important, but that does not mean it is easy. Growing up, I felt like I was not being heard. I also found myself attempting to hide my emotions from the outside world, but my family always saw them. I look back at that, and I am glad they got to see me for me. And I also know now that if I listen better, I may be heard better.” Michael
Steven’s Walk In Closet
Waiting for Dinner, 2011.
TV at Bo’s, 2011.
“During these years, I went through an identity crisis. Who am I, and what do I want to do with my life? I guess I thought about it a lot, but I never managed to answer it. I didn't quite figure that out until years later.” Michael
Preparing a Meal, 2011.
A Mother’s Lap, 2011.
2010 - 2012
Things now felt different and confusing. The Lams were going through some challenging times and the atmosphere was heavy and lonely. Family dinners were quiet and no longer at the table or even at Ludlow Street.
Dinner for Seven, 2011.
“We ate together all the time, despite the crazy things that were happening in each of our lives. I can barely remember what we chatted about during the meals. I wish I had learned more about the preparation of the food, as I found myself craving it since I left home for college.” Michael
Bored, 2011.
The unified family I had photographed was splintering. Bunk beds were built, and barriers erected.
Flower in the Tub, 2005.
Afternoon TV, 2005.
Ignoring Cindy, 2004.
2003 - 2005
That first day I spent several hours at the Lams’ Ludlow Street home and was invited back for dinner. This felt right.
Drying Laundry, 2004.
Peeking at the Neighbors, 2003.
The Gates, 2004.
These photographs would not exist were it not for the Lams and their generosity of heart and willingness to open their door to a stranger. To Shirley, Steven, Michael, Franklin, and Cindy, I love you and thank you beyond words.