Dorothy Norman 1930

This close up photograph of Dorothy Norman's hands was made by Alfred Stieglitz, though we don't know exactly when. The composition centres on the hands, clasped together. Stieglitz has a great sensitivity for tone, and you can see a full range here, from very light to very dark. I’m drawn to the way Stieglitz coaxes out all these different values from a monochromatic palette. The hands themselves, with their subtle modelling, are full of life, but it’s the contrast with the darker areas around them that really makes them pop. This is, after all, a photograph. The hands are very intimate; you can almost feel the warmth and softness of the skin. There’s a sense of stillness and contemplation, as if Norman is deep in thought. It reminds me a little of some of Georgia O’Keefe’s flower paintings – and that is no surprise. The conversation between artists is continuous and ever evolving. What do you think?