The Loft Law

Joshua Charow spent the past two years creating his first photography book about artists living under the protection of The Loft Law. The law, enacted in 1982, granted protection and rent control 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 left New York. Two years ago he found a map of the remaining protected buildings, rang hundreds of doorbells, and photographed and interviewed over 50 artists who are still living in these incredible lofts to this day. As New York faces an unprecedented amount of empty commercial space, this is perfect timing for this incredible untold story.

Joshua Charow is a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in New York City. As a teenager, Charow would go to New York City to ascend skyscrapers, climb to the tops of bridges, and walk the subway tunnels to photograph beautiful, hidden locations. These early experiences inform the subject matter and style of
cinematography that he brings to his documentary work. His projects aim to unveil unseen stories and subcultures across New York City. Charow has directed and shot documentary films for The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.