Marva Louis, Chicago 1941

Gordon Parks made this gelatin silver print, Marva Louis, in Chicago. Parks was a master of light and shadow, and here, he used them to great effect. Photography, unlike painting or sculpture, is seemingly automatic. Yet it involves many subtle choices: the angle of the shot, the depth of field, the development process in the darkroom. Parks was keenly aware of these variables. This image is striking because of the way Parks has controlled the light. The sharply cast shadow gives an intimate glimpse into the subject's inner life. It's not just a portrait, but a study of character. Parks was committed to documenting American life, particularly the Black experience, and often focused on social issues. In that light, the elegance of this portrait may seem surprising. But it is typical of Parks, who refused to limit his subjects to one dimension. He saw beauty and dignity, even in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful reminder that how something is made, and who makes it, is central to its meaning.