Untitled (photograph of Gittings photo: "Portentous Shadow") c. 1970

This photograph of Paul Gitting’s photograph, "Portentous Shadow," captures a figure shrouded in mystery. The dominant sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia and intrigue, while the stark contrast between light and shadow adds drama. I can imagine Gittings in the darkroom, carefully manipulating light to create this arresting composition. He might have been thinking about how to capture the complexities of human identity, using shadow as a metaphor for the hidden aspects of ourselves. The texture of the photograph gives it a tactile quality, inviting us to reach out and touch it. The shadow itself is a powerful gesture, communicating a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. It reminds me of the work of other photographers who explored the darker side of the human psyche, like Weegee. Photography, like painting, embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations and meanings. It's a conversation across time, inspiring creativity.