Two Towers, New York 1911

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph, Two Towers, New York, sometime in the early 20th century, using a camera and photographic paper. The tones are subtle, leaning towards a muted grey, like an old memory. It’s almost as if he’s painting with light, building up layers of atmosphere. I am drawn to the way the snow clings to the branches in the foreground. Each little clump is so carefully rendered. It's not just about recording a scene, it's about feeling it. The softness of the snow, the cold dampness in the air. It is interesting how Stieglitz uses the natural forms of the tree branches to frame the monumental architecture behind it. The towers fade into the distance, while the tree is in sharp focus, drawing you right into the scene. You can see something similar in the work of Edward Steichen, especially in his cityscapes. There’s the same attention to detail, the same willingness to embrace the unexpected beauty of everyday life. Art isn't about finding a single, perfect answer, it's about asking questions, exploring possibilities, and embracing the beauty of ambiguity.