Alabama 2018

This image, by Richard Ross, invites us into a space of contemplation and confinement. The composition, with its stark angles and central figure, immediately draws the eye, but I am very interested in the palette which is dominated by the orange of the jumpsuit, starkly contrasting with the cool grays of the cell. I imagine Ross, composing the shot, thinking about balance and the message he wants to convey. The texture of the walls, seems rough to the touch, while the figure in the center is smooth and soft. The man's clasped hands create a focal point, a gesture of hope, supplication, or quiet resignation. The light from the small window casts a shadow that hints at something more. Ross makes me think of photographers like Robert Frank, who sought to capture the raw and often unseen aspects of American life. The piece challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the complexities of human experience within these institutional walls. It's a reminder that art, in all its forms, is a powerful tool for reflection.