Untitled 1993

Editor: We’re looking at an Untitled photograph by Thomas Roma, created in 1993, a gelatin-silver print. The black and white tones create a strong sense of emotion. I’m really drawn to the expressions on their faces... How do you interpret this work? Curator: Roma’s work often acts as a social mirror, reflecting community and faith with profound intimacy. Given the era and Roma’s focus, it's critical to examine this photograph within the context of Black religious experiences. What emotions do you think they're conveying, and what social realities might inform those expressions? Editor: I see anguish, maybe... hope? The raised hands seem like a plea or a reaching out. Curator: Precisely. And understanding that in many Black churches, particularly during the late 20th century, such physical expressions are central to worship, performance, and communal catharsis. Does the black and white medium alter our reception? How might color change the context, shift the perspective, if at all? Editor: That’s interesting! It almost feels timeless in black and white, which makes the emotions feel more universal but… perhaps mutes some of the specifics of the time and place? Curator: It is a dichotomy of perspective. Roma doesn’t dictate the viewer experience; he invites inquiry. What power dynamics do you see present? Consider how race, class and gender influence religious experience. How might these intersectional identities affect expressions of faith? Editor: I never thought about analyzing a photograph in such an intersectional way. This reframes the photograph from a simple portrait of devotion into a potent commentary on the Black experience and faith. Curator: Exactly. Viewing art as activism involves challenging established narratives, prompting crucial conversations about identity, and social realities that influence perception. Hopefully, this deep dive offered some starting points. Editor: Definitely, this conversation highlighted nuances within what seemed, initially, a simple photograph, now becoming more complex and nuanced. Thank you!