Hank Smith 1975

This black and white photograph, “Hank Smith,” was made by Mike Mandel sometime around 1975. The artist is playing with the visual language of a baseball card here, but it's more of a portrait, a character study. Look at the contrast – the way the light falls, creating almost an abstract composition of shapes and textures. Mandel has an eye for capturing the essence of a person, it's not about perfection or flawless technique. The image has a certain softness, almost a graininess, lending it a sense of authenticity and nostalgia. It feels approachable, a glimpse into someone's everyday life. This piece reminds me of the work of photographers like Diane Arbus, who sought to capture the raw, unfiltered beauty of ordinary people. Like Arbus, Mandel isn't afraid to embrace the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of his subjects, reminding us that art can be found in the most unexpected places. Art invites us to see the world in new ways, to find beauty in the mundane, and to connect with each other on a deeper level.