Untitled 1993

This black and white photograph by Thomas Roma captures a moment of quiet contemplation. It’s like he’s caught the guy backstage, maybe just before or after a gig. I imagine Roma with his camera, trying to be invisible, but wanting to feel the presence of the scene. Look at the man’s hands clasped together, almost prayer-like, and his head bowed. He seems lost in thought, or maybe he’s just tired. You can see the instruments, but the musician is really alone in his head. I think this tension makes the photo so powerful. The image feels like a stolen moment, full of vulnerability. It reminds me of the way painters like Fairfield Porter captured the quiet moments of everyday life. There is an amazing intimacy and a connection between the artist and subject. It is this sense of intimate, mundane beauty which makes me want to keep looking.