Untitled (Empire State Building under construction) c. 1930-31, printed 1980s

Curator: What strikes me immediately about this photograph is the sheer precariousness of it all. Editor: Indeed. What we’re looking at is Lewis Hine’s photograph, “Untitled (Empire State Building under construction).” Hine, born in 1874, aimed his lens at the very process of creation, showing us the labor involved. Curator: Hine’s focus on the Empire State’s construction reveals the interplay between human labor and monumental architecture, and speaks volumes about the material processes behind such an iconic structure. Editor: Absolutely. It’s also a powerful statement about the role of the working class in shaping the urban landscape and documenting a pivotal moment in New York’s history. Curator: And isn't it remarkable to consider the consumption of this image, how its circulation elevates both the worker and the skyscraper to almost mythic status? Editor: I agree. Hine’s photograph captures a powerful moment, reminding us of the individuals involved in shaping the city around us, and the politics of progress.