Empire State Building c. 1931

Lewis Hine captured this photograph of the Empire State Building in New York. Known for his documentation of child labor and immigrant experiences, Hine’s lens often framed the lives of those whose labor fueled America’s industrial boom. Here, the towering skyscraper, an emblem of modernity and progress, rises amidst the city's dense architecture. Consider for a moment, the human labor required to erect such a structure. We're prompted to reflect on class and power dynamics embedded within the city’s landscape. Hine’s social consciousness invites us to consider who benefits from such progress, and whose stories remain untold in the shadow of these monumental achievements. This photograph is not just a study in architectural form, it is a mirror reflecting the complex realities of American society. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and recognize the human stories embedded within our built environment.