Hollywood and Highland (#1) Possibly 1986 - 1994

Jim Goldberg made this gelatin silver print, “Hollywood and Highland #1.” Goldberg uses photography, a medium deeply intertwined with notions of truth and representation, to explore the lives of marginalized individuals. The starkness of the black and white printing process is crucial here. It lends a documentary feel, suggesting authenticity, yet simultaneously creates a distance, reminding us that this is a constructed image. The photograph captures a seemingly casual moment between two figures on the street. The image is raw and unposed, but this is a deliberate artistic choice by Goldberg, who carefully creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy while drawing attention to issues of homelessness and poverty. The use of photography in this manner challenges traditional artistic boundaries, blurring the lines between documentary, art, and social activism. It reminds us that the materials and processes used to create art are not neutral, but carry their own set of social and cultural meanings.