Joshua Charow: Loft Law: The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts

by Joshua Charow (photographer)

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Abi Egerstaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book selling out. I just knew it was calling my name. I am happy to report it was everything I thought it would be and more.
If you haven't already, add this to your (want to read) list especially if you love art, history, and people.

[Jade O'Donohue · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It's hard to square the New York that's being described by the artists in Loft Law spaces with the New York of modern times. To me, they're two separate worlds, but the Loft Law has allowed the New York of the past to exist in these small pockets across the city, unbeknown to most. This is something Way sums up eloquently with his sentiments: “We’re living in another parallel universe here."

[Zachary Esseili · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book capturing the history of NYC Loft Law tenants. Walking around the city I always wondered who lived in some of these grand spaces, this book gave me a peek inside.

[Heather Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty cool coffee table book with really impressive photography. I learned about it from Joshua Charow's YouTube channel. His interviews with New York artists were neat and memorable. It reminded me of the Humans of New York book I read last year. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys art, big cities, and alternative living situations.

[Katie Gordie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical

[Trevor Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful example of what documentary photography can do as a historical method. This will be a great resource for anyone interested in the history of NYC going forward.

[Josh Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures a fading relic of Old New York: the artists and their lofts. While these mystifyingly large, light-drenched warehouse spaces for artists seems like an impossible concept in 2024, they tell an important story of the city's history and how industrial zones transitioned into the hotspots they are today.

Charow's documentary approach is both bold – passing out fliers and cold call buzzing apartments to meet these elusive residents – and highly empathic. It's clear he's spent tremendous time getting to know his subjects, telling their stories with compassion. This balanced approach is clear in every jaw dropping image and piece of text.

These residents converted raw industrial spaces into the most beautiful eclectic Architecture Digest-approved spaces over the course of decades. This book tells the story of how they made this possible, offering a rare glimpse into the most museum-like homes of New York City. Whether you're into photography, architecture, interior design, or NYC history, this is the book is a must.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a beautiful and really interesting book

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definite coffee table book full of large color photos of the various lofts and a little bit of information about their lives and their art.

Really well done.