New York City 1970 - 1977

Editor: Larry Fink’s "New York City" from the 1970s, a gelatin-silver print, captures a scene of two men in close proximity. The contrast and expressions are striking! What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Considering the materiality, this gelatin-silver print exemplifies how Fink utilized readily available processes to document social scenes. It's fascinating how he captures the texture of clothing—denim, suiting fabric—emphasizing the distinct class and subcultural affiliations signaled through these materials. Note how the graininess almost flattens the image, turning these subjects into types. How do you think this technique impacts our perception of them? Editor: That makes me think about how clothing production and trends connect to economic status and the wider social context. Curator: Precisely. The "making" of the photograph itself, the darkroom process, aligns with a tradition of documentary photography focused on social observation and often critique. Think about the labor involved: the photographer's, the printers', even the manufacturing of the photographic paper itself. What relationships do you see between those things? Editor: I hadn't considered the broader context of production like that! So the choice of gelatin-silver isn't just aesthetic; it places the work within a specific history and practice of social documentation? Curator: Exactly. By understanding the means of production, we can move beyond the surface to examine the artist's intentions and the work’s relationship to society. It challenges us to question not just "what" is depicted, but "how" and "why." Editor: It’s like, understanding the materials helps unlock a whole new layer of meaning in this photo. Curator: Absolutely. Looking at art through a materialist lens opens up these richer interpretations.