"Bro. CJ," Angola, Louisiana 22 - 1999

"Bro. CJ," a 1999 photograph by Deborah Luster, is part of a series of portraits taken in Angola Prison, Louisiana. Luster's work explores the lives of inmates in a uniquely intimate and personal way. The image, presented in a gold tone, portrays a man identified as "CJ" wearing a necklace with a pendant that likely holds religious significance. The composition focuses directly on CJ's face, emphasizing his gaze and creating a sense of direct connection with the viewer. The photograph's title and the subject matter are indicative of the documentary style that Luster is known for. This work is a powerful example of how photography can illuminate human experiences, particularly within the context of incarceration.