Tapestry of Space: Domestic Architecture and Underground Communities in Margaret Morton’s Photography of a Forgotten New York

The essay, “Tapestry of Space”, by Irina Nersessova is a literal analysis of Margaret Morton’s book, The Tunnels. Nersessova breaks down the book by the use of the photography that was used in it. Each photo in the book captures the Amtrak Tunnel feeling of abandonment yet its usefulness at the same time. Nersessova was able to evaluate the photography in the book through the use of Morton’s meanings, the stories of people that live in the tunnel, and comparisons between Morton’s photography and other pieces or people around the New York City area.

Nersessova begins her evaluation on Morton’s book as she writes about her dedication to the exploration of the urban environment. The photos that were taken can make people feel the reality of living in the tunnel. It allows readers to see everyday situations that we might not know about and readers can try to understand the situations better. Morton was able to do this with her photographs as it was able to depict the idea of shelter as it says it is “…an essential part of sustaining oneself, identity is tied to one’s place of home, and because no place is guaranteed to be a permanent home, this aspect of identity is consistently fragile” (26). As Nersessova continues on, it is seen that Morotn’s photos show the space that was forgotten yet many people seem to care for it in their own way. It proves that the existence of this type of society is actually out there yet they are not the same type of homeless people that most people come across of every day.

As the essay continues, actually stories behind the photos are described. There are people like Bernard who told many people about the tunnel and its freedom. Bob, another man of the tunnel talks about how the tunnel is a good place to find out who you are and what you really want to be. Stories like these helped Morton introduce a face to the photos. Another person that lives in the tunnel, Manny, explains how the tunnel actually provides a sense of shelter because no one would follow him into the tunnel because of the darkness. Throughout Morton’s photos the tunnel does have an ominous feel to it. It seems dark and unwelcoming at times yet the people of the tunnel clearly do not seem to mind. It helps them to keep living one day at a time.

After we get an understanding of Morton’s work, Nersessova begins to compare different locations around the city beside the tunnel. The tunnel itself showed the poor conditions that the underground people were living in. Nersessova analyze how instead of taking a photo of the landscape of New York, Morton chose to go into the hidden parts of the city route. It is said, “ The typical images and the highly decorative commercial attractions of the city are constructed ideals designed for the tourist and consumer mindset; meanwhile Fragile Dwelling embodies the hidden reality” (35). Stories like Fragile Dwelling and The Tunnels wants outsiders to understand that there are still many homeless people to this day. This stories however also lets readers know the uniqueness that some homeless people have when it comes to them actually putting an effort in making a home.

In the society today, homeless people are seen in a totally different aspect. They can be seen as beggars, thieves, and drug addicts. However, with photos like Morton’s, it gives us a different view on them. Their ability to use spaces like these show that they can potential do better things for themselves. With more space given to them, they are able to show the world that there is a misunderstanding about them.

Cited Works

NERSESSOVA, IRINA. “Tapestry Of Space: Domestic Architecture And Underground    Communities In Margaret Morton’s Photography Of A Forgotten New York.”

Photo: http://ny-photography-diary.com/margaret-morton-at-home-with-the-homeless/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *