Riley Savage, Toquerville, Utah c. 1953 - 1965

Dorothea Lange made this photograph, Riley Savage, Toquerville, Utah, with silver. Look at the tonal range in this image, from the highlights on Riley’s forehead to the deep shadows within the cracks of the wooden wall. It’s all about the grayscale, a study in light and shadow that speaks to the passage of time. It is the fundamental, slow burn of photography. The texture is palpable, isn't it? You can almost feel the rough grain of the weathered wood against his back, mirroring the lines etched into Riley's face. I’m drawn to the way his overalls look worn and used. There's a story in every stain, a testament to labor and life. Lange's work is like that of Walker Evans, but she has an element of empathy, a warmth that invites you into the frame. Ultimately art is about making a connection, seeing yourself in someone else's story.