Circus Acrobat, New York 1936

Ilse Bing made this gelatin silver print, Circus Acrobat, New York, at an unknown date. I love how the light falls on the acrobat's outfit, making it seem like she’s glowing against the dark background. It’s almost like the light itself is a character in this scene, guiding our eyes and adding to the drama of the moment. Look at how Bing uses the stark contrast between light and shadow. The texture of the image feels almost velvety, especially in the darker areas, which gives the whole scene a sense of depth and mystery. The way the light emphasizes the acrobat's form makes you feel like you're right there, holding your breath as she climbs. Bing's work reminds me of other photographers like, Lisette Model, who were also capturing the raw and intimate moments of urban life. Like Model, Bing embraces a form which embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations over fixed or definitive meanings.