Gina LeVay- Courtesy of the artistTomorrow 11/20/09 at The Powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn, DUMBO, photographer Gina LeVay unveils her new book tilted Sandhogs published by Powerhouse Books. I am totally fascinated by this Photo - documentary work series and decided to ask Gina a few questions about it.
Gina LeVay- Courtesy of the artistRuben Natal-San Miguel- Gina lets start by asking you a very simple question. What is a Sandhog? Is this type of work being done only in NYC? Please explain
Gina LeVay-Sandhogs are miners who are 800 feet below the streets of Manhattan, tunneling bedrock to create the largest
capital project in NYC’s history–the 60 mile long City Water Tunnel #3. The future of Gotham depends on the
efforts of these unseen miners. This new water channel will supplement the two existing, decrepit tunnels and
prevent a catastrophic water shortage in the city. Their imminent completion of the tunnel will ensure that fresh, clean water continues to flow to every resident of the city. Excavation of CWT#3 began in 1970.
Gina LeVay-Courtesy of the artistRNSM- What got you interested in documenting this type work occupation? Why?
GL-After the infamous blackout of 2003, I began thinking about the infra-structure of the city and wanted to explore. When I found out about Sandhogs and the water tunnel, I was completed shocked that after 9 years of living in the city I had no idea that they existed or this massive excavation was happening below our feet. This simultaneity of their underground reality and my above-ground city life inspired me to explore and embrace the city for what it is–a living, interrelated structural body.
Gina LeVay
CWT #3, 2004
from the "Sandhog Project" on display at Grand Central Terminal, 01.08 - 01.14.2006
Signed, dated, and numbered, verso
Digital C-print
30 x 40 inches
(Edition of 15)
$2,400.00
20 x 24 inches
(Edition of 15)
$1,500.00
16 x 20 inches
(Edition of 50)
$800.00
RNSM-What do you expect (reaction) from the public by publishing your book? Your intention?
GL-Throughout the five and half years of creating this project, my
goal has been to introduce the pubic to this vibrant and intricate subculture by bringing the rich and unique
imagery to the surface. I endeavor to ask the public to reflect on their daily experiences–what is our role in and relationship to the city?
Gina LeVay- Hog House- Courtesy of the artist
RNSM- Your Exhibition at grand Central Terminal was in 2006...what was the public reaction then to the large scale Sandhogs photo and video installation?
GL-This public installation received a variety of press (including features on NPR, NY Post,
Fox, ABC7, WB11, Associated Press,) as well as thousands of visitors daily from around the globe. The guest book we had there quickly became full with the public excitement and gratitude for the work.
They were amazed at this mammoth engineering marvel and the enduring spirit of the sandhogs. Most of them told me they felt proud to be a part of NYC!
Gina LeVay -Exhibit- installation at Grand Central Station, NYC, January 2006
All images courtesy of the artist
RNSM- The Sandhog work is a very high risk and dangerous job isn't it? Where you exposed to any danger while working of his project?
GL-Yes, it is dangerous and there's a daunting saying in the business, " a man a mile". For each mile tunneled, approximately one Sandhog has lost his life in a mining related accident. I never felt in danger when I was down there.
The sandhogs always looked out for me and I trusted their instincts and advice while down there working...
Gina LeVay -Courtesy of Clampart Gallery
Drill and Blast, 2004
from the "Sandhog Project" on display at Grand Central Terminal, 01.08 - 01.14.2006
Signed, dated, and numbered, verso
Digital C-print
30 x 40 inches
(Edition of 15)
$2,400.00
20 x 24 inches
(Edition of 15)
$1,500.00
16 x 20 inches
(Edition of 50)
$800.00
RNSM- Do you think that this type of work, if it is abundant and there is a strong demand for it, will help or provide enough jobs to help the economy of a city?
GL-Yes, I do. Although the sandhogs are pretty much done working on the Third Water Tunnel, they are quite busy with other underground projects for the modernization of the city, such as the East Side Access, Second Ave and 7 line extension subway.
Gina LeVay
Untitled 9, 2005
from the "Sandhog Project" on display at Grand Central Terminal,
01.08 - 01.14.2006
Signed, dated, and numbered, verso
Digital C-print
40 x 30 inches
(Edition of 15)
$2,400.00
24 x 20 inches
(Edition of 15)
$1,500.00
20 x 16 inches
(Edition of 50)
$800.00
RNSM- What is the awareness that your book is trying to raise regarding this profession or can it be consider also a way of life ?
GL-I think the sandhogs would answer that it's not a job, it's a way of life. Sure my work has raised awareness about their trade, but ultimately the hogs are not looking for praise or attention. They do it because they want to do it– Sandhoging has strong generational fibers, dedication and pride.
Photo- Gina LeVay- Courtesy of the artist
RNSM- At this present time...what kind of new project are you working or involved ? Can you tell us?
GL-Sure, but only a little as it's still in development...I'm working on a project about young military widows of American soldiers who have died in the Iraq and Afghan wars....
Photographer Gina LeVay and the Sandhogs
RNSM- Thanks Gina and congratulations !
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