CHIPPENDALE, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.-Two heroic images of the World Trade Centre create a stunning setting for Once upon a time in New York, the latest exhibition at Chippendale’s boutique art space, Storm Gallery, from 4 to 25 September.

The 20 striking photographs on show by Darren Hopton reflect our enduring fascination with the Big Apple, with its vast cityscape, back alleys, big cars and iconic architecture.

The exhibition celebrates an incredible moment in time for the then 18 year old art school punk rocker from Portsmouth, England who held an almost mystical curiosity for New York, having grown up on films like Midnight Cowboy, Mean Streets and Taxi Driver.

“I visited New York in March 1983 as part of a college exchange program and I was just in awe of the energy and enormity around me,” says Darren.

An Australian citizen of 13 years, Darren re-visited his inspiring New York experience while digitising and cataloguing a lifetime of photographic work.

Among the diverse selection of images is a steamy Times Square, the now defunct Pan-Am’s head office, the classic Radio City Music Hall up in lights, a curious image of deli workers in downtown New York, and a Robert Frank-style self portrait.

“Many of the pictures struck me as very poignant after events of the recent past,” says Darren. “They were taken as an innocent in the big city and I hope these pictures convey that sentiment.”

Once upon a time in New York is a free exhibition at Storm Gallery, 22-24 City Road, Chippendale, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm.