Painted Sign on Fence, Cedar Point, Ohio c. 1930s

Walker Evans' "Painted Sign on Fence, Cedar Point, Ohio" is a stark black and white photograph from the 1930s that captures a simple yet powerful image. The photograph depicts a hand painted on a wooden fence, pointing to the right, with the fence boards and the hand's shadow giving a sense of depth and perspective. This image exemplifies Evans' focus on documenting everyday American life, often using direct, unposed photographs to capture a sense of realism and social commentary. The image's simplicity, coupled with its clear direction, invites viewers to ponder the context and meaning behind the gesture, adding to its compelling nature.