Scratches Possibly 1988 - 1994

Jim Goldberg's photographic print, "Scratches," captures a close-up of an individual’s profile in stark black and white. The cropped composition focuses our attention on the textures of the shaved head, the lines of the scratches, and the earring. The image's tonal range heightens the stark reality of the subject. The composition of "Scratches" disrupts traditional portraiture, challenging conventional notions of beauty. The scratches are an immediate signifier; they challenge fixed meanings of identity. By presenting these imperfections so prominently, Goldberg destabilizes established visual categories, prompting viewers to confront the raw, unfiltered realities of human existence. The interplay between light and shadow creates an unsettling aesthetic. The choice of black and white, combined with a close-up perspective, functions as a visual metaphor, inviting us to reflect on our preconceived notions and engage with the complexities of representation and meaning.