Untitled 1992

This photograph by Thomas Roma captures a moment in time, a gathering of people, each holding a book. The black and white tones create a timeless feeling, like a memory. What strikes me is the texture. The rough paper of the books, the fabric of the suits, and the skin of the hands holding them all seem to carry their own histories. The way the light catches the pages, each word a tiny black mark on white, hints at the weight of stories and knowledge contained within. Look at the man in the foreground. The soft gradations of grey on his face tells its own story; life lived, wisdom gained. His finger is raised to his lips, deep in thought. There's a quietness to the image. I'm reminded of Roy DeCarava, another photographer who found beauty in the everyday, using light and shadow to create soulful portraits of Black life. It’s a reminder that art doesn't always need to shout. Sometimes, the most powerful statements are whispered.