St. Gabriel, Louisiana 15 - 2000

Deborah Luster made this portrait, "St. Gabriel, Louisiana," with an antique photographic process, on a metal plate. I wonder about the sitter, about the artist, about the process. The sepia tones and darkened edges create a somber and thoughtful mood, don’t they? It makes me wonder about how the artist chose this person, and why. I mean, why take this picture? I also start thinking about, what is it like to be photographed? It's kind of a strange relationship, right? The way she poses the sitter, with hands clasped in her lap, feels intentional, like a gesture of resignation or quiet strength. The physical nature of the plate, its size, texture, and material presence, also bring a tactile dimension to the work. These things transform the captured image into an object of contemplation, inviting the viewer to reflect on the complexities of representation and the human condition. And for that, I'm grateful to her.