New York 1987

Rosalind Solomon’s black and white photograph "New York" layers a human subject against the sharp, vertical architecture of the city. The composition immediately presents a dialogue between the individual and the urban landscape. The subject's gaze meets ours directly, an intense and knowing look that engages with the hard geometry of the skyscrapers looming behind him. The buildings aren't merely a backdrop; they are structural elements that reinforce a sense of scale and power. Solomon uses the stark contrast of black and white to flatten the image, emphasizing the texture of the man's face and the rigid lines of the buildings. This interplay evokes questions about the individual’s place within the larger structures of society. The photograph becomes a study in contrasts, challenging us to consider how personal identity is framed by the built environment. This dialogue is not resolved, but rather, it invites continuous questioning and re-evaluation.