Russian Ball, New York City 1976

Editor: So, this is Larry Fink's "Russian Ball, New York City" from 1976, a gelatin-silver print. It looks like a candid shot from a formal event. It almost feels intrusive, like we’re eavesdropping on a private moment. What do you see in this piece, particularly in terms of its historical context? Curator: Well, what strikes me is how Fink's work challenged the prevailing photojournalism of the time. Traditionally, formal events were depicted with a degree of staged perfection and idealized glamour. Fink, however, presents a more gritty, documentary approach. Think about the social landscape of 1970s New York City – it was a period of both immense wealth and significant social struggles. Editor: Right, I can see that contrast now. It’s like he’s showing us the cracks in the façade. How does the black and white format play into this? Curator: The choice of black and white heightens the sense of realism, lending it a timeless quality. It invites viewers to focus on the subjects' expressions and interactions, rather than being distracted by color or superficial elements. What about the subjects’ attire? Editor: I’d say there is wealth displayed, but in a more classic almost reserved way. There is definitely not what someone might imagine for how the wealthy are photographed now. Curator: Precisely! Fink disrupts the accepted way the society page usually looked, offering something more insightful and nuanced. I wonder, considering Fink’s tendency to photograph people in unconventional settings, how this particular work speaks to his broader artistic practice. Editor: I hadn’t thought about Fink questioning norms through the lens, so to speak. This gives me a different view of documentary photography in general. Curator: Indeed. It reveals a complex dialogue between the artist, his subjects, and the social institutions framing their existence. A powerful way of seeing the world!