AYUB

AYUB

I met Ayub at the halal food cart near the subway station close to my home. On a hot summer afternoon, he prepared a meal for my family and me with such warmth and kindness that I felt compelled to ask if I could photograph him for a painting.

His surprise quickly turned into excitement. “Really?” he asked, before taking a moment to straighten up and pose with a quiet sense of pride.

That brief encounter stayed with me. It reminded me that meaningful connections are often found in the ordinary exchanges of daily life. A familiar face, a shared conversation, or a simple act of generosity can reveal the dignity and humanity we pass by every day.

Ayub reflects one of the earliest ideas behind Alternate Sides: slowing down long enough to truly see the people who shape our neighborhoods, even if our paths cross for only a few moments.

AYUB

2026
Acrylic on modular reclaimed wood blocks with found object
10 × 14 in.
13 blocks

Iteration 1 -  8.17.2024

Iteration  2 - 7.28.2026