Untitled (man wearing "Cities Service" hat) c. 1945

This photographic negative presents a portrait of a man in a "Cities Service" hat, made by Robert Burian. The image inverts our expectations, turning darks into lights and lights into darks, like a photographic X-ray revealing hidden structures. Look at how Burian captures the texture of the man’s clothing and the way the light plays across his face. The contrast creates an interesting tension between the surface and what lies beneath, doesn't it? My attention is drawn to the "Cities Service" hat. The text is legible, drawing the eye, and is a focal point of the piece. I like to think about how Burian plays with light and shadow to bring the image into focus. The inverted tones give it an eerie but also revealing quality. It reminds me a bit of Diane Arbus, who wasn’t afraid to present the world as she saw it, with all its quirks. Art is such a great conversation across time. There is always space for unexpected and multiple readings.