Parade--San Francisco 1956

Robert Frank made this photograph, “Parade—San Francisco,” sometime in the mid-20th century, and what strikes me is how Frank approaches photography much like a painter approaches a canvas. The composition feels spontaneous, like a sketch, capturing a fleeting moment with raw honesty. The textures in this work are so palpable. The grainy quality of the black and white film emphasizes the grit and reality of the scene. Look at the man in the suit, the texture of the paper in his hand, the coarse feel of the world. The depth of field throws much of the background out of focus, which has the effect of flattening the image and emphasizing the foreground action. The photo's emotional resonance lies in its candid portrayal of everyday life, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of American society. Frank’s influence can be seen in the work of photographers like Nan Goldin, who also embraced a diaristic approach to image-making. What connects them is an interest in the raw, unvarnished beauty of reality, inviting us to see the world with fresh eyes.