Statue of saint before municipal courts annex--Los Angeles 1956

Robert Frank made this photograph, "Statue of saint before municipal courts annex--Los Angeles," with film, and silver probably, to get this tonally rich black and white image. It’s such a well-observed and considered composition, he’s really seeing the world, not just looking. There is a monument of a catholic saint, holding a cross, and then there is the municipal courts annex, and the American flag, and telephone poles and wires. It’s so matter of fact. There’s no judgment being passed, just a recording of a confluence of stuff. It reminds me a bit of Walker Evans. The grain is lovely and soft, it gives the image a tangible quality. There is a real intimacy in the image. I can imagine Frank walking around, seeing things, and waiting for all the elements to line up just so before he snaps the picture. It’s like a meditation in observation.