Untitled, Shenango Ingot Molds (Working People series) 1978 - 1981

This silver gelatin print shows us workers at Shenango Ingot Molds. Rogovin's camera captured a slice of life, a document of labor. I can imagine Rogovin, a humanist photographer, stepping into this gritty reality. He would have wanted to capture the weight of the work and the intensity of the environment. It must have been important for him to represent these workers with dignity, in a way that reveals their humanity amidst the harsh conditions. The stark contrast emphasizes the environment's darkness against the glimmer of their protective gear and the glow of the lamp. Look at how their forms huddle in the gloom, almost melding with the shadows, their faces obscured behind masks and helmets. Rogovin's photo is a quiet act of solidarity. It’s part of a larger conversation about how we see and value labor, and how artists can bear witness to the lives of working people.