South Los Angeles 1999

This photograph, South Los Angeles, was taken by Clarence Williams, though the date is unknown. I like the way the subdued colours build up such an emotional resonance here. The man’s face is obscured, and his posture is weighed down. The texture of his shirt and the desk give a gritty feel, which is amplified by the coolness of the grey walls. It’s not a flashy image; it's got this realness, an almost painful visibility. The light isn’t dramatic, it’s just there, exposing everything as it is, and that’s where the depth of the photograph lies for me. Williams reminds me of photographers like Philip-Lorca diCorcia, who capture these ordinary moments and make them feel epic. I guess that’s what I appreciate about art, it doesn’t necessarily give you answers, but helps you see the questions you want to ask, or maybe, should be asking.