Untitled (documentation of deep-sea fishing) c. 1939 - 1940

Karl Theodor Gremmler made this black and white photograph, “Untitled (documentation of deep-sea fishing)", at an unknown date, it's all about capturing a moment, the way light and shadow dance, and the feeling of being there. There's something so immediate about the way the fisherman raises his hat to us, as if we are arriving on the boat after a long journey. Looking closely, you can see the texture of his shirt, every fold and wrinkle telling a story of hard work. The monochrome palette brings a timeless quality to the image, reminding me of old films and stories of the sea. I think of Walker Evans, who captured portraits of those affected by the great depression, and the way that Gremmler captures the everyday life of fishermen. What I find most compelling is the way the man's gaze draws me in, like a painter using bold brushstrokes, Gremmler's vision is full of feeling and depth, it reminds me that art is a space where we can look, feel, and be moved.