Jon Gould 1980 - 1985

This photograph of Jon Gould was taken by Andy Warhol, probably in the 1980s, and printed later. There's something really touching about this picture. Jon is caught mid-stride, walking along the beach, and there is a slight smile on his face. Warhol's genius was his capacity to let the ready-made image stand on its own. He found an instant, made it iconic, and moved on. The image is direct, unadorned, and beautifully composed. I wonder what Warhol saw in Jon, and what Jon saw in Warhol. I imagine Warhol snapping away, always observing, always collecting moments. I'm reminded of other photographers like Nan Goldin who captured the fleeting, intimate moments of everyday life. It's these glimpses into the lives of others that connect us and remind us of our shared humanity.