Untitled (Lower West Side series) 2002

Editor: So, this gelatin silver print is an "Untitled" piece from the 'Lower West Side series' by Milton Rogovin, taken in 2002. It feels incredibly intimate, a large family gathered together, almost overflowing the frame. The monochrome adds to the timelessness. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: It sings to me of connection. Rogovin wasn't just taking photos; he was building relationships. His camera became a tool for understanding, a gentle eye on communities often overlooked. See how everyone meets the lens? It’s not a stolen shot, it's a collaboration. They’re sharing their space, their lives, and you, the viewer, are invited in. Makes you wonder about the stories behind those faces, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. It feels so genuine, far removed from any studio setting. There's such an honesty to the textures, from the wood paneling to their clothing. Does the domestic backdrop play a role in Rogovin’s storytelling, would you say? Curator: Absolutely. Rogovin worked very intentionally. These weren’t staged moments. He chose homes, workplaces - places imbued with the reality of daily existence. And notice the placement of the older generation amidst the young ones. How it emphasizes lineage, the passing down of cultural heritage through music and family? The photo above them mirrors this idea. There's history embedded in every pixel. Editor: It’s a really poignant observation. The composition almost reinforces that sense of legacy. Curator: It’s more than just looking, isn't it? It's *seeing* with your heart. Rogovin teaches us that photography can be an act of empathy. A quiet rebellion against forgetting. And the quiet heroism of simply living, captured in a shared glance. What stays with you now, having looked deeper? Editor: Definitely the power of a shared moment, a visual memory. It's a reminder to look beyond the surface and find the stories in everyday life. Curator: Beautifully said. He would have liked hearing that.