Inside Chicago – A Visual Story by SquiidApe

This independent visual report captures the streets of Chicago’s South and West Sides as seen in September 2023. From O’Block to K-Town and 600’s Steve Drive, SquiidApe takes you inside neighborhoods rarely seen through an unfiltered lens. These photos and clips reflect real moments — not headlines. They show daily life, street energy, and the presence of artists and residents who shape this environment. It’s not about glamorizing or condemning, but documenting reality as it is.


📍 O’Block, Parkway Gardens – September 2023

These images were captured over an afternoon at Parkway Gardens (commonly known as O’Block). They reflect the atmosphere on and around King Drive — from the famous Parkway Super Market to the residential blocks. The portraits are spontaneous, shared with consent, and aim to show a slice of real life in this often-misunderstood area.


📍 K-TOWN / OUT WEST - SEPTEMBER 2023

These shots were taken in K-Town, on Chicago’s West Side, as night was falling. One photo captures the inside of a local apartment, two were taken in one of the hoods of K-Town itself, and the last one just before entering the neighborhood — offering a glimpse into the atmosphere of the West Side after dark.


📍 KT RASTA (NO LUV CITY) - SEPTEMBER 2023

An afternoon spent with KT Rasta — a rising rapper and actor from No Luv City — alongside his brother and one of his close friends. We’ve known each other online for 8 years, but this was our first time meeting in person. We talked, filmed an interview, and spent time in the backyard of a house deep in Chicago’s trenches. The full interview is available on my YouTube channel.


📍 GANGS GRAFFITIS IN CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 2023

These photos were taken across various gang-affiliated neighborhoods in Chicago, as well as in parts of the downtown area. They document graffiti linked to groups like the Gangster Disciples, Satan Disciples, and others — serving as territorial markings and silent signals within the city’s complex street landscape.


📍 THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 2023

An afternoon at the University of Chicago — one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. We walked through the campus and were welcomed by a French student who shared insights about the university’s reputation, its challenges, the risks on and around campus, and the presence of its own police force. The sky was heavy with storms, and the stories we heard matched the atmosphere.


📍 CHICAGO BY NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 2023

A series of nighttime shots taken across different parts of Chicago — from downtown to gang-affiliated neighborhoods and subway stations. The city transforms after dark, lit by streetlights, passing trains, and the quiet tension of the night. In many ways, Chicago is even more striking under its own glow.


📍 RANDOM PHOTOS IN CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 2023

A mix of moments captured throughout my stay in Chicago — from downtown scenes and mural-covered walls to gang-affiliated neighborhoods, the Loop, and breathtaking landscapes. Chicago isn’t just about violence; people are kind, though often in a rush — much like in Paris. Still, the contrast between the city’s polished downtown and the realities of the South Side remains stark and impossible to ignore.

Disclaimer: All images and videos were taken independently in public spaces, with respect for individuals present. No content is intended to glamorize or exploit. This is cultural documentation based on fieldwork.