The Economy, San Francisco 1989

"The Economy, San Francisco" (1989) by Jim Goldberg is a black and white photograph that captures a simple interior scene. The image depicts a table set for one with a plate, fork, and cup, set against a backdrop of wooden paneling and a wall plastered with signs. The photograph is a part of Goldberg’s ongoing project "The Rich and the Poor" (1985-2003), which explores the socio-economic disparities in American society through intimate and powerful portraits. The image suggests a sense of loneliness and isolation, and invites the viewer to consider the everyday realities of those living on the margins. The image is a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of San Francisco in the late 1980s, and a testament to Goldberg's ability to capture the raw beauty and stark realities of human existence.