Mary and Andrea at table no number 1954 - 1955

Robert Frank's photo, "Mary and Andrea at table no number," captures a sense of process right there on the sheet. We see the film strip, the artist's choices, and the unedited sequence of images. The high contrast and grainy texture emphasize the material quality of the photographic process. It's not just about the image, it’s about the making of it. I'm drawn to the way Frank leaves these 'mistakes' visible, the over-exposure, the way some frames are darker than others. This reminds me of how in painting, the under layers and process reveal the history of the image. Looking at the frame in the lower strip, the way the light flares around the edges seems to flatten the image, almost abstracting it. It’s like Frank is not just recording a scene, but also investigating the possibilities of the medium. Frank’s work makes me think of other photographers like Diane Arbus, who was also interested in the messy, often unglamorous realities of life. His pictures remind us that art isn't about perfection; it’s about embracing the beauty of imperfection.