Saint Patrick's Day parade--New York City 1 17 - 1959

Robert Frank's film strip, "Saint Patrick's Day parade--New York City 1" shows a series of moments, captured in monochrome. Film photography is interesting; the roll presents a sequence, and there are images here that are in and out of focus. It's up to the artist what to print, or not. Here we can see the evidence of Frank's process. Each frame offers a slightly different perspective, a fleeting glimpse of the parade's atmosphere. The grainy texture and stark contrast adds a raw, documentary feel. I love the way Frank embraces the imperfections, the blur and the unexpected juxtapositions. He shows you the in-between parts, the stuff other people might not see. Frank’s work reminds me a little of Helen Levitt; both artists are able to find poetry in the everyday. He's not just documenting an event; he's capturing a feeling, an experience. This is photography as an art of observation and a conversation with the world.