HAROLD 89

An Exhibit of Mostly Unseen Photos By Charlie Samuals

June 23, 2022​

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HAROLD 89 celebrated the life and enduring legacy of legendary New York skateboarder Harold Hunter through a rare exhibition of photographs by acclaimed photographer Charlie Samuels. Featuring more than 40 mostly unseen images captured during the summer of 1989, the exhibition documented the formative years of Hunter's career, when he and Samuels roamed New York City with nothing more than a skateboard, a camera, and an instinct for discovering the city's evolving landscape.

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The photographs offered an intimate portrait of Hunter's charisma, creativity, and fearless approach to skateboarding while capturing a pivotal moment in New York skate culture. Alongside iconic images—including the now-legendary "Red Railslide" photograph—visitors encountered rarely exhibited works that revealed the friendship between photographer and subject and the energy of a city that became both playground and backdrop.

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Hosted at The Boiler | ELM Foundation, the exhibition served as the opening event of Harold Hunter Weekend and functioned as both a celebration and fundraiser for the Harold Hunter Foundation. Charlie Samuels guided visitors through the photographs, sharing the stories behind each image, while proceeds from print sales supported the Foundation's mission of empowering young people through skateboarding. The exhibition honored Harold Hunter not only as an icon of New York skateboarding, but as a cultural figure whose influence continues to inspire generations.

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Presented by Element Skateboards

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Benefitting Harold Hunter Foundation

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