THE LUNCH BREAK



Lewis Hine, 1930

Originally trained as sociologist, Hine devoted much of his life to stressing the issue of human dignity and his worth in harsh times of industrialisation. Famous for his photography essays on child labour, immigration and the life and work of the lower class, he proved that photography has power to engage in social issues and actually make a difference in the world.

This is probably the most well-known photo in the Empire State Building series, partially to it's awkwardness. A row of construction workers has been confronted with the breathtaking panorama of New York spread beneath their feet. Despite their seemingly dangerous position, they remain cheerful and calm. This calmness is even emphasised by composition, which has been based on single horizontal line, which in turn has been isolated from the background through a change in contrast and lighting. This adds to the already very literal feeling of suspension.

A mix of casualness and power, the series shows the Hine's fascination and respect for his subjects. These are no super-humans, just normal people at work, though their work is monumental and of an out-of-this-world scale. Of course, this view is by no means objective, it is flattering for the heroic workers and has this almost propaganda-like touch. But it is true and deeply sincere, something what makes Hine a very American photographer.