ADVERTISEMENT

New York City’s subway is more than just a way to get around—it’s a stage where millions of lives briefly cross paths every day. Photographer Chris Maliwat captures these fleeting connections in his stunning series Subwaygram, a collection of street portraits that reveal the heart and soul of the city underground.

Shot over four years—two before and two after the COVID-19 pandemic—Maliwat’s photos show how life, emotion, and community continued to pulse through New York’s subway system, even during times of change.

More info: Instagram | tiktok.com

Based in Brooklyn, Chris Maliwat has been exploring the poetry of daily life for years. A former black-and-white film photographer, he’s now recognized internationally for his empathetic street portraits. His work has been featured in The Guardian, LensCulture, and Huck Magazine, and his book Subwaygram was published by Daylight Books in 2022. Today, he continues to document the ever-changing pulse of New York as a member of Soho Photo Gallery and a Google Pixel Photo Ambassador.

RELATED:
    #2

    "My Fair Lady"

    Woman with bright red hair and star-spangled sunglasses wearing a red coat in a captivating NYC subway street portrait.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Pferdchen
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The photos in this listicle exemplify why I think NYC is one of the greatest cities in the world. It is such a melting pot, people coexist and exercise their personal liberty. Of course, I do realize that other people see such things and think "Babylon!"

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    "Ilegalyque"

    Punk passenger with green mohawk hairstyle sitting in NYC subway, holding phone, capturing street portraits underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sinead Kenny
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He ain't hurting anyone, if he is happy then why not? I like his dgaf attitude. We need more of this in the world!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #7

    "Faces"

    Diverse passengers seated in NYC subway car, capturing candid moments of life underground in street portraits.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That little girl is a cutie! I love her ballet style slippers and that interesting neckline on the dress. I would have loved a dress like that at her age, although I was never that cute.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    Brooklyn Bound

    Young man sitting in NYC subway car, wearing green jacket and scarf, captured in a candid street portrait underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A man who doesn't manspread! Guys, it's actually rather se‍xy when you don't manspread.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    "Uptown Express"

    Woman with face mask and glitter makeup using phone, wearing fishnet tights, standing in NYC subway station portrait.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #23

    "Hello Boy"

    Two stylish young passengers captured in captivating street portraits riding NYC’s subway, showcasing urban life underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's always amazing to me as to what some people think is attractive clothing, but that's why this world is so interesting. There are so many of us with differing ideas.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #26

    "It's Ok To Look"

    Woman and child wearing masks seated in NYC subway, captured in a candid street portrait highlighting life underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spiderman logo on his mask, and they're both wearing blue and red. Does that mean she's SpiderMama?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #27

    "Boots On The Ground"

    Young woman in bright pink boots and patterned skirt sitting in NYC subway, a striking street portrait capturing life underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #29

    "Supreme"

    Woman wearing white dress using phone inside NYC subway, captured in street portrait showing life underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    GREYNOOK
    Community Member
    4 days ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This comment has been deleted.

    #30

    "Warlock"

    Young woman with blue hair on a phone call, holding bags, waiting near subway platform railing in NYC subway station.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #33

    "Six Sense"

    Woman wearing a bright pink ruffled dress holding phone, captured in a captivating street portrait inside NYC’s subway.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Just me...
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh the awful dresses we wear when we agree to be a bridesmaid

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #36

    "Never Forget"

    Elderly woman wearing colorful jacket and scarf, sitting on NYC subway bench in a candid street portrait.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #39

    "Empowered"

    Diverse passengers captured in candid subway portrait with NYC subway map in background, showcasing life underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #40

    "Fantastical"

    Three women seated inside a NYC subway car, captured in a street portrait showing diverse daily life underground.

    subwaygram Report

    Add photo comments
    POST