New York 1987

Rosalind Solomon made this black and white photograph, “New York,” as part of a series of portraits exploring identity and place. Consider the sitter, posed in what appears to be an intimate domestic space, surrounded by objects that hint at the personal narratives shaping his identity. What do these objects say? The carved cabinet hanging behind him, for instance, feels folkloric and personal; in stark contrast to the urban setting suggested by the photograph’s title. The sitter's jewelry and unbuttoned shirt defy traditional gender norms, indicating a deliberate construction of self. Solomon often sought to capture what she described as "psychological landscapes," revealing the inner worlds of her subjects. She deliberately engaged with portraiture as a means of subverting traditional representations. Here she seems invested in capturing the essence of her sitter through an emotionally charged image that reflects his unique self-expression, offering a glimpse into his personal narrative.