Wales 52 1953

Robert Frank made this photographic work, Wales 52, using black and white film. This series of frames provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s process, offering more than just the final image. Consider the material reality of photography itself. Here, it's not just about pointing and shooting. Frank skillfully manipulates light and shadow, using framing as a way of composing narratives, and to capture the mood and atmosphere of everyday life. What we see in these images are not just moments frozen in time, but selections from a continuous strip of film. The presentation of the contact sheet allows us to see how he chooses and edits images. This almost archaeological approach exposes photography's reliance on labor-intensive darkroom processes. Frank's work reflects a deep engagement with the means of production, reminding us that artistic creation is always tied to the social and economic realities of its time. It asks us to rethink traditional distinctions between art and craft by emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.