Bob Flick 1975

Mike Mandel made this photograph, "Bob Flick," as part of a larger project which reflects the cultural landscape of the 1970s in America. Mandel's work plays with the familiar visual language of baseball cards, a cultural phenomenon that transcends mere sport. These cards typically celebrate athletic prowess, but here, Mandel turns the lens towards ordinary individuals. "Bob Flick" challenges traditional notions of celebrity by presenting an everyday person in a format usually reserved for sports icons. During the 70’s there was a cultural shift, with movements which questioned established norms. Mandel's decision to feature regular folks can be seen as a commentary on the decade's changing values and a celebration of everyday life. By mimicking the style and presentation of baseball cards, he invites us to consider the value we place on fame. The work resonates emotionally, provoking questions about identity, representation, and the stories we choose to tell about ourselves and others.