New York City's 'Street Leather' Zine Celebrates the City's Most Iconic Residents: Rats

New York City's 'Street Leather' Zine Celebrates the City's Most Iconic Residents: Rats

New York City is known for many things - its towering skyscrapers, vibrant culture, and, of course, its ubiquitous rat population. Now, a new zine called 'Street Leather' is giving the city's furry underbelly its due, celebrating the unique stories and experiences that New Yorkers have with rats.

The zine was born from a shared obsession. Jake Offenhartz and Olivia Bensimon, both avid photographers, bonded over their unusual hobby of snapping pictures of dead, flattened rats. This seemingly morbid passion led them to create 'Street Leather,' which showcases their photographic collection alongside personal narratives and stories submitted by New Yorkers about their encounters with rats.

The zine quickly gained popularity, attracting submissions from across the city, from plumbers in the Bronx to subway conductors. It's not just about the photos, though, but the stories - the funny, the strange, the unexpected. These stories reveal a deeper connection between humans and rats in the city, whether we like it or not.

'Street Leather' isn't just a zine, it's a celebration of the city's diverse communities and the unconventional connections that can be found in the most unexpected places. The launch party for the zine was a testament to this, drawing a large crowd for a night of readings, a rat-themed dance party, and even a performance by Pinc Louds of their original song, 'Rat Attack.'

While some may view rats as a nuisance, 'Street Leather' offers a different perspective, showcasing the resilience and even humor that exists in the relationship between humans and these often-misunderstood creatures. The zine is a reminder that even in the heart of New York City, there are stories to be told, connections to be made, and a sense of community to be found, even in the presence of rats.