Sandra Gilbert, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 15 - 2000

Deborah Luster's "Sandra Gilbert, St. Gabriel, Louisiana" (15-2000) is a striking portrait of a woman in a straw hat. The photograph is part of Luster's ongoing series "A Southern Family" which depicts families and individuals living in the rural South. Using a tintype process, the image evokes a sense of historical authenticity and the timeless nature of the subject's gaze. The directness of the portrait, combined with the stark contrast between the dark background and the light of the woman's face, create a powerful and intimate experience for the viewer.