Frogtown: Photographs and Conversations in an Urban Neighborhood

by Wing Young Huie (Photographer)

Frogtown is a discerning portrait of an ethnically mixed neighbourhood that lies within the shadow of the Minnesota State Capital near downtown St. Paul. Wing Young Huie combines 130 compelling black-and-white photographs, some 50 quotes from talks with residents, and his own commentary to produce a powerful depiction of life on Frogtown's streets and front porches, in its kitchens and backyards, shops and churches. The images are documentary in nature, but the perspective is that of an artist who leaves meanings open to interpretation. Drawn to Frogtown by his own abiding curiosity, Huie spent two years photographing and getting to know its people — working class whites, Southeast Asian immigrants, African Americans, American Indians, and Latinos. These exquisitely rendered images of Frogtown show the multiple realities that make up a dynamic urban neighbourhood. At the same time, they reflect the changing faces of American cities.

Genres: Photography

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is compelling photography, chronicling a very interesting neighborhood in St. Paul. Huie’s images reflect a lot of the contemporary urban life in the Twin Cities, as diverse groups of people come to live in close proximity, sparking both tension and awareness. Frogtown demonstrates the realities, positive and negative, of the neighborhood and the people who live there. Huie’s work, I feel, could easily affect the attitudes of many towards the area, even ten years later. Both the imagery and the words of the neighborhood’s population, Hmong, Polish, black, white, etc. give a little insight into the lives of others. In particular, I found the exhibition of the photos in an outdoor display in Frogtown to be a great example of urban art and social expression. In any case, Huie’s work, I feel, really exhibits the life of the growing, changing Twin Cities, and I am glad that such an expressive photographer is recording this dynamic metro.

[Robert Jersak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minnesota is my home state, and though I was born not far from Frogtown, my childhood was lived in the north metro suburbs. In many ways -- economically, culturally -- I lived a world apart. What I deeply appreciated about this book is the way it helped me to reunite these worlds into one place. This is a book about Minnesotans. It is made by a Minnesotan, who just happens to be an outstanding photographer, and, better yet, a great artist who shares his work in the communities that help him shape it.

Key passage: "A photograph can be as much a piece of fiction as it is a document of the real world--these realms are separate yet somehow complicitous. Indeed, the most compelling photographs shed light on reality in much the way good fiction does." (p. 6)

[angrykitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

huie used some pictures from this particular book in his talk at the young writer conference that i attended. the thing that i found most interesting, was the caption beneath one of the pictures he shared. he left the caption out when he shared the picture with the group, and i found it to be really interesting.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book while picking up books on St. Paul history in the library (Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt time). I found it fascinating and loved that I recognized some of the people who were featured. What an interesting area of the city.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It is a photo essay about the Frogtown neighborhood in St. Paul.