English Speaking Union, New York City Possibly 1975 - 1981

Larry Fink made this photograph, "English Speaking Union, New York City", with film and chemicals, though when, exactly, remains a mystery. Look at how Fink plays with light and shadow! It’s a balancing act, isn’t it? See how the chandelier sparkles above, a literal beacon, while the faces emerge from the gloom, the woman’s gaze sharp and direct. This kind of intense contrast isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about mood, right? It feels like he's making a comment on the dance between visibility and obscurity, presence and absence, like a peek into a world just beyond our reach. The texture of the photograph itself feels almost tactile. You can almost feel the graininess of the film, the way the light catches on the glossy surface. I love how Fink isn't afraid to get close, to be intimate with his subjects, even if it means capturing them in moments of vulnerability or discomfort. It reminds me a bit of Nan Goldin's work, that same raw, unvarnished look at real life. Ultimately, Fink seems to ask, what do we really see when we look at each other?