Larry Johnson 1986

This photograph, titled "Larry Johnson" by David Robbins, uses conventional materials of photographic paper and ink. Robbins elevates a typical publicity headshot to the status of art, prompting us to consider the social rituals embedded in image-making. The photograph’s smooth, almost glossy surface lends a commercial feel, reminiscent of magazine advertisements or promotional materials. The meticulous lighting and carefully arranged composition contribute to this impression. The image raises intriguing questions about labor and class, asking us to consider the roles of photographers, stylists, and publicists in shaping celebrity images. It questions the means of production behind the star-making machinery, and the collaborative effort that contributes to the construction of fame. Ultimately, Robbins challenges traditional notions of artistic skill, asking us to consider the cultural work involved in image-making and the artifice that underlies celebrity culture.