I Made a Photo Book about NYC's Original Artist Lofts
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2024
- Buy the book: www.joshuacharow.com/book/loftlaw
To inquire about purchasing a print, please contact: joshuacharow@gmail.com
I spent the past two years creating my first photography book titled 'Loft Law. The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts' about artists living under the protection of the Loft Law. The law, enacted in 1982 (Article 7-C of the Multiple Dwelling Law), granted protection and rent stabilization to thousands of artists who were living illegally in commercial and manufacturing zoned lofts in neighborhoods like Soho, Tribeca, and the Bowery after the manufacturing industry predominantly left Manhattan.
Two years ago, I found a map of the remaining protected buildings, rang hundreds of doorbells, and photographed and interviewed over 75 artists who are still living in these incredible lofts to this day. The photographs explore some of the most unique beautiful, and hidden artist studios across New York City. The book includes writing and personal stories from the incredible group of artists featured in the book.
Subscribe for more videos coming soon!
Follow me on Instagram: / joshuacharow
Book Credits
Photography & Text by Joshua Charow
Published by Damiani Books
Design by Alexander Paterson-Jones
Text Edited by Czar Van Gaal and Kala Herh
Thank you all for the incredible comments! I spent years of my life creating this project, and could not have seen such a positive overwhelming response so quickly. Everyone's kind words are immensely appreciated. Here are the links to buy the book based on where you live.
Buy the book in the US: www.joshuacharow.com/book/loftlaw
Buy the book internationally: www.waterstones.com/book/the-loft-law/joshua-charow/9788862088152
Buy the book in the UK: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-loft-law-the-last-of-new-york-city-s-original-artist-lofts-joshua-charow/7593949?ean=9788862088152
Your link to "buy the book outside of the US" will only ship to the UK. I live in Sweden and can seemingly not purchase your book :(
just ordered the book, can't wait!
Great documentary! Love it!
USA link not working
@@danalmont8340 Thanks for the heads up! Here's the link- www.joshuacharow.com/book/loftlaw
I was an art student in the 80s, I went to a few lofts, they were occupied by a few of my professors. They were beautiful spaces, great light, views, the bare bones of the building all around you. Anither bittersweet memory. Thank you.
There are still plenty of vacant raw places like this in Buffalo, NY. May be Buffalo should create some programs to save its dead downtown.
Omg it's so tragic I can't even imagine how cool it was in the 80's 😢
These lofts were part of living in NYC as a Broadway baby and sell my paintings 🖼️ to private collectors, bartending at Studio 54 fantasy in high school. 🎉what a FANTABULOUS place to be, create and live in NYC. THIS WAS SO WELL DONE! You’re an amazing storyteller.
Thank you so much! I really really appreciate that
1:09 He was a looker & now has reached his 96th healthily & been living in a cool place creating arts he's blessed. Wish I was his neighbour to hear his stories & learn from him.
KInda Paul Newman-ish. He looks great for 96!
Oh my, I had to rewatch that part, at first my brain just corrected the number to 69… like that man can’t be nearly a hundred
I can see Paul Newman. I though Matthew McConaughey at first
I was there as a artist from 72' -80' Lived & built out a couple great loft spaces during that time, we were down there in the middle of the SOHO build out. It was amazing. I searched the streets at night looking for trash that I could use for construction material . When the Broadway Hotel collapsed I got all the wood I needed for my Bar and kitchen build out. The Artist were a Movement, Happy hour you could get dinner snack at Max's Kansas City , and meet up with friends, get the low down on who you could meet to push work, and what was going on with galleries opening on West Broadway. It was rough money wise but exciting. My friend Paul is still in his Loft on Prince St. He moved into it in 1975 . It was a great time, the spaces were huge then, 2,000 to 5,000 square. Major spaces. Thanks for the video and your work to bring the stories for people to see and read .
Are you sorry you left?
Right time, right place and thousands of artists got to live their dream. Bravo.
Exactly!
Please tell me you have longer format interviews and are going to release them
This is amazing!
this
Yes I do! The videos will be coming very soon.
Videos on Creative people and creativity are always interesting!!! @@joshuacharow
You found a great niche here….done so well and I am excited to see more. I am just getting into painting and romanticize what it would have been like to live in a loft space like this in New York. It is the heartbeat of NY as far as I am concerned…..the artists. Bravo!
So we’ll done ! Look forward to more videos and longer format.
Josh. I used to deliver grocers for Whole Foods in Tribeca/towards The Bowery. I was a young artist, and I would deliver to spaces like this all of the time - some were ultra wealthy people, but some names I'd recognize on the manifest - Richard Serra, Chuck Close, and a lot of famous actors. I would sometimes open the freight elevator into spaces as large as factories it felt. I've constantly reflected on this experience over the years, and the pure inspiration that a space like this brings into an artist's life, and how important our spaces are for creating. Then I went to school at The Cooper Union, and would go to professors homes to hang out with my peers and just be blown away at their lofts, not understanding how they could afford it! Of course, I eventually understood. Thanks for sharing.
It's called gentrification. Poor artists move into spaces no one wants, make an area desirable, then the rich move in.
@@tthomas184Yea, now certain parts of Brooklyn are flooding with more whites and Asain people... especially Williamsburg . More affordable buildings and shit !!
@@Moodboard39 Happened long ago in Williamsburg. Now it's nearly all rich people. I hear it's happening in Bushwick too.
Also, at least for Pollack, Barnett Newman etc.. they were all married to women who had jobs teaching. It was a real revelation to me when I found that out. We went to Chouinard, and it was always a source of deep mystery as to how those guys all lived, paid their bills. We always felt guilty.. they worked full time in the studio.. what was wrong with us??? Of course no one ever mentioned that their wives paid the bills. 🤔
@@daniadejonghe4980 You make a great point. Imagine how well you can focus on your art and career if you have somebody who pays the rent with their job, does the laundry, cooks the meals and types up your letters. They had it made. Sucked to be their wives. No surprise there are young men today who fantasize about getting that back. Among my students, the young men get more conservative while the young women get more and more feminist. If only they could all at least afford any rent.
Wonderful to see Chuck Delaney again. One of the heros of LMLA. Come visit our loft in Union Square, here since 1978. It was my dance studio. Don't forget about all the beautiful dancers that graced this city.
Hi Karen! I was thrilled to capture Chuck since he's so crucial to this history. I'd love to photograph you for this project! Can you send me an email? joshuacharow@gmail.com
Hey Karen! I would love to photograph you for this project! Can you send me an email? Mine is joshuacharow@gmail.com
Thanks for capturing this disappearing side of New York... maybe the most romantic part of it.
Had to rewind to check if I really heard it correct. “I’m 96 years old” he looks so amazing, crazy
This in incredibly cool for me, despite living half way across the world and part of a completely different generation these spaces are like a dream, mainly because for many artists in this modern age including myself it’s a far off fantasy as much as a goal.
Despite working mainly digitally, the desire for a large evocative space to work on physical stuff is deeply appealing. A space to fill with tools, parts, models, garbage to anyone but me, a suit of old armour, a wall of cactuses, old computer parts, paints, tables, random furniture and a wall of books and crap.
Truth be told there is next to nothing I want more.
i cannot believe you have so few subscribers!! what an incredibly well made film. i'm so impressed by your storytelling ability, and your photographic eye. im excited to purchase the publication next. keep up the great work
What a kind message. Thank you so much Mike!
@@joshuacharow will you be doing a video series of the artists and their spaces?
I have no idea how I ended up here, but super thankful that I did. This is my favorite video I've watched in a long time. Please keep creating, this was amazing 🙏🏻
Awesome work!
Thanks so much Dave!
This is beautiful. I feel that it's important too, because it also sheds light on how Artists and Creatives of all types completely transfigure not only the spaces in which they live and work, but the surrounding neighborhoods and cities as a whole. It enriches the quality of life for everyone, and shows the true value of what these kinds of people do for the world, whether we realize it or not.
Thank you for doing this work, and sharing their stories. ❤🌎
Thank you for covering the last remaining artists' lofts ! Such a fascinating history of New York City's artists.
It'll be wonderful to see a full length documentary on this.
Thank you so much! It's something I'm currently exploring to make happen.
Awesome! You've made it feel slow and thoughtful but also information dense, subscribed!
Thanks Jesse!
Same feeling here.
Really stunning work - would love to have seen a full length film of this even. Congratulations!
I've walked past these buildings in NYC for the greater part of my life, not knowing that such wonder was upstairs. Thanks for this.
Great work. Love it. Would love to see the stories of these artists. Felt like a trailer for a bigger documentary.
Have to agree.
I agree, that would be fantastic.
Beautiful video - I could watch an entire documentary on this, and I bet the artists you interviewed enjoyed getting to share their spaces and journeys with you. Excited to check out the rest of your project!
Agreed, those artists must have some great stories.
this is why i love new york.
never been there though
i feel like its the peak of human civilization in the modern time
Steina and Woody Vasulka came from Europe in '65 and rented a loft for $150 a month. They went on to (among other things) found The Kitchen at the Mercer Arts Center before leaving ahead of the real estate boom that pushed a lot of less-fortunate artists out of the neighborhood.
This is just excellent. Really. I hope this gets a lot of views and I'm blown away to witness this at 35. Great work!
Thank you so much!
Artist lifestyle is a very exclusive and expensive endeavor, I always dreamed with a space like the ones this artist have, I have only lived in two countries long enough to know that, in both of them creating art is luxury only for a few very talented and lucky individuals!!! To see and admire art is easy and accessible for everyone !!! making good and original art is a totally different experience!!! Respect to the people who is able to accomplish and live such experience.
Absolutely spectacular idea, video and - I'm assuming - book. It makes me so sad to think about how amazing NYC used to be and so many places in our country and world that have been torn to shreds by corporate nonsense. May the artists rise again!
High crime
Thank you for sharing so beautifully the enchanting stories and remarkable lofts of these talented fascinating people. ❤😊
my friend studied under frank mason and I have visited that loft. one of the most incredible and out-of-time places I've even been to in NYC.
More!!!!…I need more of this!! Awesome idea and execution
Woooow... just the assortment of spaces and different people in them. And they are soooo spacious! This is fantastic!
Beautifully composed, filmed and told. Thank you.
Love this. Love the fact that these creatives are still around.
more please! longer please. really loved this.
This was awesome. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
I love the initiative you took with this. Incredible work! I hope to see more from you.
gorgeous spaces, gorgeous artworks, gorgeous photos, thanks for the glimpse into these little sanctuaries of creativity, oh also the light.....chefs kiss.
Your photos match this incredible NY story , wonderful!
This is fantastic….what a story…..well told.
I’m so ridiculously happy to see some of these lofts and artists; I was reading about the loft laws recently and find the whole history just fascinating. thank you so much for this ♥️
This is beautiful. Thank you for the work that you do!
Thank you Anna!
That is the BEST LOOKING 96 year old I have ever seen in my life! Man looks like a healthy 75.
Those are some awesome places.
This is so good! Congrats Josh.
Great job all round 🙌🏻🎉
This is an amazing project, Josh! Thank you for documenting this. Cheers from San Diego!
I wish this video were a lot longer.
Good work!
What an important project! Wish I had known about this when I was in New York a couple of years ago. Great video.
This was amazing, I wish it was longer!
Thanks so much Jonthan! I've made many videos from this project that are coming soon!
@@joshuacharow I'm excited to see more of it!
Bought the book right away! I’m so intrigued by your work, can’t wait to have the book in my hand. Ciao dall’Italia!
So lovely! Great video.
Josh, this is amazing! Obviously the story itself. I have never heard about these Artist Lofts before. But also your portrayal of the people, the spaces. The whole Film is an artwork it itself. I like the colors, the ligting, the composition. Excellent!🥳👏
Great videos on your channel! You have a knack for getting great stories out of people
Wow, you can be proud for this work. Really good Projekt!
Wow! Just discovered you and your work, it is tremendous 👌
That's the kind of documentary photos that are profound and important, well done !
Hello Josh! Wow! Your short video captured so much of what was also unspoken! All the tenants, current & past, are truly incredible TRAILBLAZERS!! As are you, Josh!! Thank you for creating & sharing this awesome video!!!
Great story and visuals, thank you.
Wow. Thanks for that. Incredible footage. Book went on a "to buy" list immediately.
Loved watching! Would be great to see a whole series on this
this is awesome, beautiful photos and amazing story! thanks for making it:)
Thank you!! Really appreciate it
Wow I’m lost for words, this is so unique and done so well, thank you!
never knew this was a thing. how amazing. thank you for shining a light on it. The book looks beautiful
So much work. Lofts look like good place to live and create. Thank you.
What a beautiful exposition of culture, humanity, and history. Great work, please continue creating.
I would watch a whole movie of this. Your book is now on my next buy list!
This is so beautiful!!! Incredibly well made.
Thank you so much!
astounding. The beauty of the spaces makes me deeply feel a sense of loss
What a great video! Please make and share more.
Incredible! Just ordered book. Great work!
This is awesome history you're capturing. I would definitely purchase your book and/or watch a full length documentary.
This is so incredible!! Already rewatched twice and paused every 10 seconds to take in these beautiful and wonderfully intricate lofts! What an original piece of work and much deserved recognition you’ve given these artist and this community’s history . Can’t wait to see more, never seen anything like it.
Thanks for this. It's truly worthy of an extended version documentary.
What a great subject. So glad this popped up!
Thanks John! I'm glad it popped up for you
Excellent film. Love it!
Utterly fantastic living history! Beautiful photography! Amazing artists.Please interview each of them and show us around their spaces more intimately. Thank you for documenting this important history! Bravo!
I did that! New videos coming shortly on the individual artists.
Wonderful to see so many people creating and vital after so many years. Creativity helps keep us young. 🖌️✨💖
Great Idea! Such beautiful spaces.
This is so good!! 🔥 and so fascinating!
Great concept. Amazing stories to be told here. Hope you make short videos on the artists too-would happily watch every single one!
I loved this video. I’m so happy to see young artists taking advantage of all NYC is and was!
Thank you so much! Although it's changed, there's still so much intrigue and beauty in new york
this was very well done. looking forward to the book and future stories.
Thank you so much! More videos soon..
Hey Josh, What an absolutely wonderful video you've made. I'll have to check the book out when I've got some spare coin. Keep it up.
This video is so spot on! Thank you for sharing❤
Gorgeous! And wonderful to see the variety of work.... not just the Pollocks, Rothkos, de Koonings..... they are wonderful, but so great to see all this people i/m not familiar with!
This is a huge reason I pursued this project. I had the chance to photograph so many amazing artists that I never knew about. Hopefully others get introduced to their beautiful work as well.
@@joshuacharow I look forward to it!
Just added the book to my birthday wish list!! This video is so well made, I look forward to the book!
This is fabulous, keep up the great work!
Josh, this is inspiring. Great work!
really looking forward to seeing more
I had to immediately buy the book, can’t wait to see it
This is beautiful Josh. Thanks for sharing this on here. Has made my day - so beautiful - inspiring. x
Hey, Josh -- I never comment on youtube but you did a wonderful job. As a visual artist myself i cannot tell you how beautiful this is. Will be buying your book. All the love!
This was dope. Keep going 🙌🏽✨
I will buy more than one. Thank you for doing this most important work. Love from Detroit.
Whoa, this is awesome. Definitely need a copy of this book. Great project!
What a great story to tell, photograph & archive. Thank you
its cool to see another smaller youtuber creating some insane and under appreciated work, youre making some amazing stuff dude, and please dont stop - you're an artist, not a content creator.
This is so cool. I love that you are documenting such an interesting aspect of NYC. I believe Claire Danes grew up in one of these lofts with her artist parents. These long-term loft-dwellers probably have the best stories.
Ohhhh, what a dream project you created for yourself. I would have loved to been along for the journey. Good luck to you. I have subscribed and will be ordering that book.
Fascinating!
These are incredible! I hope the footage is a hint that more interviews are coming