Untitled 1991

This photograph, Untitled, was made by Thomas Roma, and it looks like he's working in the rich monochrome tones that photography offers. It's amazing to think about how much information he can pack in using only shades of gray. I'm really drawn to the way Roma captures this moment. The texture of the fabrics, the way the light catches the faces, it all feels very present and alive. Look at the woman on the right, with the pendant - there's something about the way her gaze is directed, her stillness, it's as if she's both present and somewhere else at the same time. And then there's the woman holding the candle in the center, the gesture of her hand raised in song, the emotion visible in her face. Thinking about other artists who work with groups of figures - maybe someone like Philip Guston, who also manages to capture these collective moments of emotion and intensity. The art-making process really is just an ongoing conversation, isn't it?