Untitled (Portrait of his Mother) c. 1966

James "Jimmie" Mannas Jr. made this photographic portrait of his mother using traditional darkroom techniques. The intensity of the image is built upon the patient labor involved in its making. Each stage, from the careful setup of lighting to the development process, has a direct influence on the image we see. Consider the way Mannas coaxes light from the darkness, highlighting his mother’s features and the texture of her skin. This isn't just a record; it’s an act of care, rendered through precise control of chemistry and time. The choice of black and white adds to the gravity, focusing our attention on form and feeling. The image embodies a quiet strength, achieved through a deep understanding of the photographic medium. By attending to both the emotional and material qualities of this portrait, we recognize how the artist honors his subject, and challenges our conventional understanding of both photography and portraiture.