Larry Knighten, Transylvania, Louisiana 1998

Deborah Luster's 1998 photograph, "Larry Knighten, Transylvania, Louisiana," is a striking portrait that captures the essence of its subject. The image, reminiscent of 19th-century tintypes, showcases the subject's intense gaze and weathered features. Luster's work often explores themes of identity and memory, inviting viewers to contemplate the lives of individuals often overlooked by mainstream narratives. This photograph, part of her series "A Southern Family," utilizes a documentary approach to highlight the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.