This photo essay by Jahtiek Long captures a night where Staten Island’s underground art scene came alive in celebration of Día de los Muertos and Halloween. Blending drag, aerial artistry, Sword dancing, and DJ sets, the event Días de los Muertos vs. Halloween transformed 4 Willow into a space of vibrant expression, honoring both tradition and individuality. Curated by Nazz Raidence and Forest the Monarch, the night stood as a reminder of how Staten Island continues to carve out its own spaces for art, performance, and community connection.

As part of our Nostalgia & History series, this photo essay spotlights photographer Kristopher Johnson and his LUMEN ARCHETYPES—a powerful series capturing the diverse faces and vibrant community of Staten Island’s LUMEN festival. Through his iconic pop-up portrait studio, Kristopher documented the energy and creativity that transformed an industrial waterfront into a dynamic art hub. This essay honors not only Kristopher’s unique vision but also how the groundbreaking festival LUMEN redefined not just Staten Island’s waterfront but also the idea of art as a communal and immersive experience.