Buildings and billboard--Beverly Hills, California c. 1955 - 1956

This photograph, taken by Robert Frank in Beverly Hills, California, circa 1955-1956, is a quintessential example of his "The Americans" series. It captures the starkness of urban architecture against a flat, grey sky, with a large billboard dominating the scene. Frank's composition, utilizing a low angle shot, emphasizes the imposing nature of the billboard and the buildings, creating a sense of alienation and detachment. This, coupled with the billboard’s message, “Forgive Law and Everything,” alludes to a larger commentary on societal expectations and conformity. Frank’s signature black-and-white photography style accentuates the gritty realism of the scene, highlighting the visual clutter and the sense of anonymity present in modern life.