Robert Gould Shaw Memorial c. 1973 - 2008

This is Richard Benson's gelatin silver print, Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, that captures the monument in all its stark beauty. The grayscale palette emphasizes the texture and form, reminding us that artmaking, whether it's photography or sculpture, is all about process. Look at the details, the way Benson captures the rough texture of the bronze, it’s almost like you can feel the weight and grit of the material. The light plays across the surface, creating shadows that deepen the emotional resonance. Notice the determined faces of the soldiers and how the movement is frozen in time. The whole image has this weight to it, like you can almost feel the weight of history bearing down. Benson’s work here reminds me a little of Walker Evans, a sharp eye for detail and a focus on capturing a sense of place. Like all great art, this photograph isn't just about what we see, but what it makes us feel and think. It’s a conversation, a dialogue between the artist, the subject, and us.