Cadillacs no number 1955 - 1956

Robert Frank made this photographic contact sheet, ‘Cadillacs no number’, using a small camera and black and white film. I’m struck by how the individual frames capture the essence of American life during that time. Imagine Frank, camera in hand, navigating through crowds, capturing fleeting moments and gestures. He must have felt like a street painter. What was he looking for, I wonder? What did he notice? This looks like the American dream, or at least an attempt at one, but with a touch of grit and reality. The choice of black and white adds a timeless quality, enhancing the raw and unfiltered feel. There's a sense of spontaneity here, like Frank was embracing the unexpected. He wasn’t afraid to experiment and break away from convention, much like many painters I admire. I love the dialogue between the frames. I’m sure his work influenced many others too.