Bombay, 2004, at the Gateway of India Possibly 2004 - 2014

Leo Rubinfien made this photograph in Bombay at the Gateway of India in 2004. I love the way Rubinfien uses a monochromatic palette here, like a stripped-down recipe, drawing attention to form and feeling. The surface has a stark, almost harsh quality, that makes you think about how photography captures reality but also shapes it. It feels spontaneous, but I bet a lot of thought went into setting up the shot. Look at the young girl’s expression, it is so intense. The tonality of the girl’s skin is beautifully captured, the artist’s attention feels drawn to a moment of seeing. Rubinfien's work reminds me of other photographers who explore social landscapes with sensitivity, like, say, Robert Frank or Helen Levitt. All these artists show us that photography isn't just about taking pictures, it's about engaging with the world.