New York City no number c. 1950s

Robert Frank created this photographic contact sheet of New York City, its date currently unknown. The contact sheet, a record of the artist's photographic process, becomes in itself the artwork. Frank, a Swiss immigrant, used his camera to explore and critique American society in the mid-20th century. His outsider perspective allowed him to capture scenes that challenged the dominant narratives of prosperity and optimism. The images here, preserved within the rigid order of the contact sheet, suggest a fragmented narrative, inviting viewers to piece together their own understanding of urban life. The work critiques the institutions of art by challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a finished piece. It invites us to consider the photographer's role as not just a recorder, but as an active interpreter and critic. By examining the social and political context in which Frank operated, as well as the formal qualities of his photographs, we can gain a deeper appreciation of his contributions to both art and social commentary.