Untitled (two girls in matching dresses, arms interlocked, standing between vine and door on porch) c. 1940

This photograph by Paul Gittings shows two young girls in matching dresses, standing on a porch, their arms interlocked. The monochromatic palette, working in reverse like this, is just the start of the image's appeal, offering a study in textures and contrasts that feels both intimate and slightly unreal. The surface quality is striking; it's not just a flat image, but alive with detail. The dresses of the girls create a soft volume, while the leaves of the vine create a lace pattern in the background. I'm struck by the area where the girls' arms meet; this creates a sense of connection. Gittings reminds me a little of Diane Arbus, both inviting us to consider the complexity of human relationships. The photograph leaves us with a sense of ambiguity, which is where, I think, the real conversation begins.