"J," Transylvania, Louisiana 1999

Deborah Luster created this evocative tintype, "J," Transylvania, Louisiana, using an antique photographic process. The sitters of Luster’s images are participants in the criminal justice system. This portrait is part of her ongoing series, "One Big Self," which confronts themes of identity, incarceration, and the human condition. Luster’s choice of the tintype process—a 19th-century technique—adds layers of meaning. This process connects her subjects to a longer history of portraiture and representation, while its material qualities—the way it captures light, and its capacity for unique imperfections—imbue the image with a sense of vulnerability. "J"'s piercing gaze and the cross around his neck suggest a complex narrative of faith, struggle, and resilience. Luster’s portraits offer a counter-narrative to traditional representations of incarcerated individuals. She invites us to consider the individual stories behind the statistics, revealing the emotional and personal dimensions of those often marginalized by society.