Under Highway 101, Hollywood 1991

Jim Goldberg made this gelatin silver print titled "Under Highway 101, Hollywood." Goldberg’s work often explores the lives of marginalized communities, and this photograph is no exception. It captures a moment of intimacy and vulnerability amidst the harsh realities of homelessness. Goldberg seeks to give visibility to those often unseen, challenging the dominant narratives and stereotypes surrounding poverty. In this image, we are confronted with the stark contrast between the tenderness of the embrace and the brutal environment of a makeshift shelter. The image asks us to consider the ways in which society fails to provide basic human needs for all its members. It serves as a reminder of the humanity that persists even in the most dire of circumstances. Goldberg once said, “I am interested in people who have been discarded.” The photograph highlights how societal structures can perpetuate inequality and impact individuals on a deeply personal level. It's an appeal to recognize and address the systemic issues that contribute to the conditions we see here.