Angola, Louisiana 9 - 1999

Deborah Luster made this photograph, Angola, Louisiana, using the tintype process, which is like a direct positive on a metal plate. Imagine Luster in the field, developing the image on the spot, coaxing the materials to bring forth a person in a space. I feel like the directness of the process makes the image feel so present. The sitter looks like a person of style and wit! He is wearing a t-shirt and has on a few watches. He has a distinctive hat, and it feels like he is someone important in his community. The dark background makes the figure emerge slowly, as if the figure is forming itself in front of our eyes. I feel like the photograph allows for many readings, which I love. It's as if the subject is still alive. It suggests that art can be an ongoing conversation across time, inspiring others' creativity and curiosity.