Eddie M. "Fat" Coco Jr. and Antonio "Small" Coco, Transylvania, Louisiana 1 - 2000

Deborah Luster made this tintype, "Eddie M. "Fat" Coco Jr. and Antonio "Small" Coco, Transylvania, Louisiana," using a photographic process from the 19th century. This method has a ghostly quality, which adds to the intimacy and vulnerability of the portrait. The image has a sepia tone, and the dark background makes the figures stand out, their skin glowing softly. The composition is simple and direct, focusing on the two men. Look at the texture of the plate itself. It feels like it's been handled, processed, and aged – which it has! The scratchy marks on their chests look almost like scars, adding another layer of complexity to the image. This isn't just a picture of two people, it's a record of time, place, and the human condition. I’m reminded of Carrie Mae Weems' documentary portraits; both artists create images that stay with you, inviting you to think about who we are and how we see each other.