Samuel P. “Pee Wee” West (Lower West Side series) 1992

Milton Rogovin's 1992 black and white photograph, “Samuel P. “Pee Wee” West (Lower West Side series)” is a powerful portrait of a man, likely in his home, sitting on a bed in a relaxed, almost contemplative pose. Rogovin's "Lower West Side" series is known for capturing the lives and dignity of everyday people in Buffalo, New York. The image's composition, with its focus on Samuel's expressive face and the starkness of the room, highlights the subject's individuality and his connection to his surroundings. The photograph's intimate scale allows viewers to connect with the subject on a personal level and appreciate the humanity of an often-overlooked community.