Coal Dock Workers c. 1933 - 1969

Walker Evans made this photograph of coal dock workers in 1932. The tones are somber, a study in dark and light, mirroring the gritty reality of the workers' lives. It’s not just about documenting; it’s about feeling the weight of their labor through the greyscale. Look at how the coal dust clings to their clothes, their faces—it’s almost like Evans is painting with the very substance they handle daily. The texture is palpable, you can almost feel the grit. And then there's the stark contrast against the lighter background, a contrast that makes the men stand out but also flattens the image, like a graphic print. The light catches the white beard of the man on the left, it's like a small spark of hope amidst the coal dust. Evans's work reminds me a little of some of the German photographers like August Sander, who also aimed to capture social realities with such stark clarity. But where Sander documented trades and professions, Evans brings a deeply human element into focus.