New York, 2004, at Canal Street and Broadway Possibly 2004 - 2014

Leo Rubinfien captured this image in 2004 at Canal Street and Broadway, New York. I'm wondering how the artist worked with light to capture the softness of the pale pink jackets worn by the mother and daughter, which make the sitters so present. The colors of this piece give the impression of a painting that is both gritty and warm, and I can imagine the artist searching for an honest composition. What was he thinking as he waited to capture this shot? I see him moving around to find the best way to make this picture. The two figures are slightly off-center which gives an interesting tension to the picture. This image sparks so many questions in me about what it means to depict people, and how this piece connects to a long tradition of artists who have attempted to capture the essence of what they see. Ultimately, this work feels like an invitation to embrace ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations and meanings.