Untitled (man in polo shirt with crossed arms) 6-Oct-01

Curator: Kevin Bubriski's black and white photograph, "Untitled (man in polo shirt with crossed arms)," presents a compelling study in form. Editor: My first reaction is one of guardedness. Everyone in this image seems so closed off. Curator: The tight crop and square format lend the image a certain intensity. Note how the textures of the fabrics contrast with the harsh architectural lines behind. Editor: Crossed arms are universally understood as defensive, but the man’s gaze is steady, confronting. The other figures become symbols of a modern alienation. Curator: Indeed, the chiaroscuro enhances the volumetric forms of the figures and buildings. It's a masterclass in grayscale tonality. Editor: I agree. The photo evokes a feeling of urban isolation, yet there is a shared humanity in the way these figures stand together, each alone in their own way. It feels very relevant today. Curator: Its formal precision renders an iconic moment. Editor: An enduring statement on the modern human condition.