Benefit, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Possibly 1975 - 2001

Larry Fink made this photograph titled, Benefit, at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Fink is known for his images of social events, often contrasting the lives of the wealthy with those of working-class individuals. This photograph appears to capture a moment of intimacy and adjustment between a couple at a high-society gathering. The image is imbued with issues of gender and class. We witness a woman, adorned with jewelry, attending to a man in a tuxedo. The photograph, with its dramatic lighting and close framing, captures the performative nature of these events. The artist draws our attention to the subtle gestures and interactions that reveal the constructed nature of social identity. Fink’s work invites us to think about how social rituals shape our understanding of ourselves and others. While documenting specific social strata, the work also touches upon universal experiences of connection, aspiration, and the ever-present negotiation of social roles.