Atherton, California c. 1972 - 1980

This silver gelatin print, called Atherton, California, captures a bedroom scene with a figure resting on a four-poster bed. The greyscale tones evoke a sense of nostalgia and quiet observation, like a moment suspended in time. Carter’s use of light and shadow is particularly striking, creating a soft, enveloping atmosphere, which reminds me of Fairfield Porter’s intimate interior scenes. The texture of the bed linens, the subtle grain of the photographic paper, all contribute to the work’s tactile quality, drawing you into the stillness of the scene. The eye is drawn to the light falling on the figure on the bed, casting a soft glow that invites contemplation. It’s about seeing the world with a gentle touch, embracing the beauty of the everyday. Like art, life is an open question, a space for endless exploration and reflection.