Journal 4: Favorite photograph
After examining the various photos from talented photographers: Lewis Wickes Hines, Bernice Abbott, and Dinada H. Nooney. I have concluded that Lewis Wickes Hines’ photo “Riveters attaching a beam” is my favorite photo from the “New York at work” series. To me, the photo holds a significant piece of New York’s history. The photo consists of four men constructing the foundations to a building, which makes me think that these men could be constructing a building that we still use until this very day. They put their hard work, sweat, and blood into constructing that building. I feel that the photo symbolizes the fact that New York has progressed through the dreams of hardworking, driven people.
Since Hines’ named the series of photos “New York at work” I feel that the photo of the riveters is really the heart of the series because it displays how people are always at work in the city, no matter what time of day or where their work may take them or even what their work consists of. People are always working in New York because it is the home of passionate, ardent people. The city is full of people that are bursting with diversity, dreams, hope, and true beauty, people who harbor unknown potential and vibrant, colorful souls. I believe that was the concept Hines is trying to portray in “New York at work” because the work that people do defines who they are and that is why they share it.
-Briana Roldan
