Mother Tokio on Pulpit (Storefront Churches series) 1958 - 1960

Milton Rogovin made this gelatin silver print, ‘Mother Tokio on Pulpit’ sometime in the mid-twentieth century. It’s a black and white photograph, and he’s got this beautiful range of tones, from almost pure white to deep, velvety blacks. Rogovin's working with light and shadow, turning them into almost sculptural forms. Look at the way the light falls on Mother Tokio’s face, it’s so direct and strong. Then see how he’s placed that white cross, almost as a continuation of her? The cross is so simple, right? Two pieces of wood, but the way he's lit it, it just glows and it feels really important. Rogovin's photographs have this beautiful way of showing the dignity of everyday life. Much like Dorothea Lange who focused on rural life during the depression era, Rogovin is drawn to everyday people and shows us the poetry and power in what might seem simple. I think that comes from a place of real respect, and that's what makes it so powerful.