Thé dansant op 19 April 1931. 1931 - 1934

This black and white photograph, titled Thé dansant op 19 April 1931, was made by Atelier Kurkdjian. Looking at it, I’m immediately struck by the composition. There is a real art to capturing the moment, to knowing exactly when to press the shutter. The subtle gradations of light and shadow, the way the figures are arranged, and the details of the architecture of the space all contribute to the overall effect. The subjects are arranged in an almost circular fashion, directing the eye towards the center of the image. The image is imbued with a sense of energy and movement. This is not just a recording of a dance, but an invitation to reflect on temporality. It reminds me a little of some of the earlier work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. Like Bresson, Kurkdjian understands that photography is as much about capturing a feeling, or an atmosphere, as it is about documenting a specific moment in time.