Russian Ball, New York City 1977

Larry Fink's gelatin silver print, Russian Ball, New York City, is all about contrast, light and dark, isn't it? It’s like a dance between what we see and what's hidden, a real peek into the process of image-making. The tonal range, from stark white highlights to deep, velvety blacks, grabs you. Look at the texture of the woman’s polka dot dress against the smooth faces around her. It's almost like you can feel the difference between the fabrics and skin. The way Fink captures the light on their faces makes you wonder about their stories, their inner lives. Notice the fine lines on their faces and hands, the details on the jewellery; there’s a tension between spontaneity and control, which I just love. I’m reminded of Diane Arbus, another master of black and white photography who found beauty in the everyday. Fink, like Arbus, invites us to see the world a little differently, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s not about perfection; it’s about honesty.