The Bottom (Talbot Towers, Allegheny County Housing Projects) 2009

LaToya Ruby Frazier made this gelatin silver print, "The Bottom," to capture the uneasy co-existence of industry and community. Frazier’s choice of black and white is critical. Stripping away color, she emphasizes the stark contrast between the natural environment and the industrial architecture looming in the background. The photograph's texture, achieved through traditional darkroom techniques, further underscores this tension. The abandoned car in the foreground speaks volumes about labor, class, and consumption. The image is not just a depiction of a place, but a document of the social and economic forces that have shaped it. By using photography, a medium often associated with objectivity, Frazier challenges us to confront the subjective realities of marginalized communities. This work bridges the gap between documentary and fine art, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex relationship between industry, environment, and the human cost of progress.