Zipolite, Mexico 1972

Ed Grazda made this black and white photograph, Zipolite, Mexico, at an unknown date. It is a monochromatic image which captures a scene of free-roaming animals and simple dwellings. The overall feel is quite informal, like a snapshot, yet carefully composed. I imagine Ed wandering around this scene, thinking about the light, the textures, the various characters, and looking for the right alignment of elements. You get the sense that he wants to show you something about the feel of this place. What might it be like to live here? I really like the dog as he seems to know where he’s going. The dog is juxtaposed against the chicken. It gives the work some humor and life. It’s as if the image wants to say something about survival. Like all great artists, Ed invites us into a conversation. We respond to the light, the details and somehow, it inspires a feeling. That’s the amazing power of art.