Aaron F. Thomas, Jr., "Spark plug," Angola, Louisiana 22 - 1999

Deborah Luster's "Spark Plug" is a 1999 photograph taken in Angola, Louisiana, a state prison notorious for its harsh conditions. Luster's series "A Louisiana Project" documented the lives of inmates in the prison and explored themes of incarceration, identity, and human connection. This portrait, taken in a small, intimate format, focuses on the face of Aaron F. Thomas, Jr., highlighting his gaze and revealing the impact of his confinement. Through her work, Luster sought to shed light on the human stories behind the prison walls.