Untitled 1993

This photograph, made by Thomas Roma, captures a moment in time, rendered in shades of gray. It’s the kind of image that invites you to slow down and consider the nuances of light and shadow, the way the composition tells a story. The image, almost journalistic, pulses with a quiet kind of energy. Look at how Roma uses light to define the forms, how it catches the texture of the men’s suits. And the baskets! They’re woven with such care, holding whatever offerings the congregation has made. These aren't just objects, they’re symbols, containers of hope and faith. The depth of field is relatively narrow. The figures are present but there is a sense of being slightly detached, as if we are looking on, rather than being present in the space. Thinking about this piece, I can't help but think of the early photography of Walker Evans. Like Evans, Roma has a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, for capturing moments that resonate with larger social and emotional truths. Ultimately, it reminds us that art is not just about what we see, but how we see, and how we connect with the world around us.