Tiny Gallery is thrilled to present “Twinhouses of The Great Northeast,” a photo collection by Ira Wagner, Executive Director of the Montclair Art Museum.

Wagner’s collection tells quiet stories of closeness and separation. Two homes share a wall, but their very sameness reveals the differences in the lives within—disparate paint colors, mismatched hedges, a shutter askew here, a manicured lawn there. These modest houses offer a moving portrait of how we live side by side and how the smallest of spaces can hold the full complexity of who we are.

Artist Statement

The Twinhouses of The Great Northeast neighborhood of Philadelphia reflect how people share a common border. Some families choose to mark their space with a fence or shrubbery. Others differentiate themselves with varying architectural elements and subtle changes to trim, windows and paint colors. One family chooses to hide completely behind a tall hedge; another lives in front of the house with common backyard elements – chairs, grills, patio tables, open for all to see. Common upkeep, such as mowing the lawn, ends at a rough approximation of the property line rather than being shared. One side of a structure shows pride of ownership, the other is missing a shutter on a window. When borders are such an important issue in the world, these images reflect a human inclination to mark and delineate one’s space rather than share it.

The Great Northeast section of Philadelphia shows what was built in response to the search for the American dream, even within the city limits. These modest homes are variations on a theme of two side by side houses that share a common wall. To create some variety, architectural elements appear pasted on the front of the box – various materials, gables, dormers, rooflines and trim. Because of the shared occupancy within a single structure, little has changed in these houses since they were built. As a result, this area of Philadelphia shows much of the original intent of the architects, developers and residents. Yet, over time, small differences have emerged that reflect how people live together as neighbors, differentiate their own property, customize their slice of suburban living and make their property their own.

Tiny Gallery Q&A

Just for fun, Tiny Gallery asked Ira to answer a few questions from Vogue’s 73 Questions, a favorite Q&A that always entertains. His responses are below:

Where is your favorite place to be? Anywhere abroad 

What is something that you can’t live without? My family 

What is a secret talent of yours? I’m good at drawing maps freehand 

What are 3 words to describe yourself? Curious, inner directed, adventurous 

Where do you get inspiration from? Unlikely heroes

What is your favorite snack food? Laderach chocolate

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? If you do the right thing, it’s not your fault if someone chooses to be insulted by it 

What is the last book that you read? One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad – just brilliant and a must read. 

What is your favorite genre of music? Classical and Opera

What is your biggest regret? Not knowing my grandparents’ immigration stories 

What is one thing on your bucket list? Visiting the Havelis of Shekhawati in Rajasthan and photographing them.

What is your favorite sport to play and to watch? I love skiing in Europe and hiking, otherwise I don’t watch sports. 

What is your favorite place that you have ever visited? St. Barts – France in the Caribbean

What is your guilty pleasure? Splurging on a creative dinner 

What is your biggest achievement? Making life an adventure 

What is the best thing to happen to you this month? I was given a gift by the artist Sarah Sense. 

What is your go to coffee order? Cappuccino 

What is your favorite non-alcoholic beverage? Limonada de Coco – something I had in Cartagena 

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage? Mezcal

What is something that you can’t do but wish you could? Conduct a symphony orchestra/sing the tenor lead in La Boheme. 

What is a bad habit of yours? I can spend a lot of time planning future travel

Favorite way to spend a rainy day? Walking in Paris 

What is an ideal date? A walk through a city, a visit to an out of the way shop and café, a great romantic dinner 

Who is your celeb crush? Thinking Parker Posey 

What is your favorite day of the week? Definitely Friday 

What is your favorite type of breakfast food? Harvest grain pancakes

What are your three favorite holidays? Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve

How do you relax? I love to walk and photograph in the woods 

What makes you smile the most? Right now it’s my two year old granddaughter, Nellie 

What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Knowing that I have had a positive impact on someone

What is a travel must have? Time to linger

What is your favorite clothing brand or store? The department stores in Paris – Galeries Lafayette or Bon Marche – the stores were like in downtown New York when I was young.

What is your favorite smell? Neroli

When was the last time you cried? Watching Best Interests with Sharon Horgan 

Were you named after someone? My grandfather Isisdore, I suppose Ira is as good as it gets with the initial I

What is your least favorite word? How about a phrase – “Not my job.”

What is your favorite time of the day? I am truly a morning person 

If you could travel with anyone, who would it be? My wife Denise – we travel well together!

When is your birthday and what is your sign? January - Aquarius 

What is a skill that you are working on? Trying to learn French 

What is your dream job? Writing a travel blog 

If you could live anywhere in the country, where would you live? Venice Beach, Los Angeles

Are you an introvert or extravert? I don’t know if others see me this way, but introvert 

What is your first car? 68 Impala 

What was your first screen name? Wags 

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Coconut

How would you describe your style? Conservatively Creative 

If you could have one superpower what would it be? Flying

Where does one go on a perfect road trip? The south of France 

Do you prefer cooking or baking? Cooking 

Are you a shoe or handbag gal? I may have more shoes than my wife 

How would you like to be remembered? Impactful, kind, joyful