James Mathis, Amherst Foundry (Working People series) 1979

"James Mathis, Amherst Foundry (Working People series)" is a black and white photograph by Milton Rogovin taken in 1979. The image depicts a foundry worker, James Mathis, in a factory setting. Rogovin's photograph highlights the dignity and hard work of laborers, a recurring theme throughout his "Working People" series. His photographs showcase the lives of ordinary people in the Buffalo, New York area, with a focus on working-class communities. The photograph captures the grime and grit of industrial labor, emphasizing the physical toll it takes on the workers. Rogovin's use of natural light and a straightforward composition imbues the image with a sense of realism and honesty.