Shacks Condemned by Board of Health, Formerly Occupied by Migrant Laborers and Pickers, Belle Glade, Florida Possibly 1940 - 1984

Marion Post Wolcott made this photograph of migrant housing in Belle Glade, Florida, using a relatively new material for artistic practice: color film. The shacks are made of rough-hewn planks, likely sourced locally and quickly assembled. Notice the uniformity of the structures, a telltale sign of efficiency, yet the visible weathering suggests the harsh realities of the environment and the rapid decay of these dwellings. The discarded car, stripped of its value, speaks volumes about the economic hardships faced by the migrant laborers. Wolcott’s choice of color is critical. It brings a stark, visceral quality to the scene, emphasizing the contrast between the vibrant landscape and the dilapidated living conditions. The image acts as a social document, capturing the material evidence of labor exploitation. By focusing on the tangible elements of the scene, Wolcott’s photograph invites us to consider the labor, politics, and consumption that shape our world, challenging conventional aesthetic ideals.