By Greg Gulbransen
Publisher: GOST Books
Publication date: 2024
Print length: 160 pages
Language: English
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In Say Less, photographer and practicing doctor Greg Gulbransen offers an intimate and harrowing glimpse into the life of Malik, a former leader of the Crips gang in the Bronx, whose world was irrevocably changed after being shot and paralyzed by a rival gang in 2018. Over the course of three years, Gulbransen documented Malik's life after the incident, capturing the stark realities of his existence confined to a small Bronx apartment where he is cared for by his family and fellow gang members.
Gulbransen's journey into Malik's world began when, while photographing in the Bronx, he noticed a striking number of young men in wheelchairs, all victims of gang-related shootings. Intrigued by their stories, Gulbransen sought to understand their experiences, eventually being introduced to Malik. Once a prominent gang leader, Malik's life changed forever one summer night when a simple trip to buy a sandwich resulted in his being shot by a rival in front of a 99-cent store. The bullet severed his thoracic spine, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.
The images in Say Less* are raw and poignant, depicting the challenges of living in a cramped housing project apartment, where Malik is cared for by his devoted mother, Eyanna, and his grandfather. Without professional medical help, Malik's family takes on the full burden of his care—his mother managing his medical needs during the day, while his father steps in at night. Through Gulbransen's lens, we see the deep love and care Malik receives, but also the constant presence of danger and violence that defines his life. Despite his immobility, Malik remains a focal point for his gang, with members visiting his apartment at all hours to talk, plan, and take care of their leader.
Say Less is a profound exploration of survival, loyalty, and the emotional toll of gang life. Gulbransen’s photographs capture both the closeness of Malik's family and the ever-present shadow of violence that looms over his life. Confined to his bedroom, unable to leave certain neighborhoods without fear of being killed, Malik’s existence is one of stark isolation and constant threat. The book doesn't shy away from the grim realities of his situation, but also highlights the resilience and love that sustain him.
Through Say Less, Gulbransen provides a sobering look at a life forever altered by violence, while also offering an empathetic portrayal of a man whose world has been reduced to the walls of his home. It is a powerful, haunting portrait of a life at the crossroads of survival and confinement.