I'm Dave (walking away) Possibly 1989 - 1994

Jim Goldberg made this black and white photograph, titled "I'm Dave (walking away)," sometime in the 1980s or 90s. Goldberg is renowned for his documentary-style photography which often focuses on marginalized communities. In this image, the back of a young person in a graffiti-covered jacket is depicted, walking away with two others down a street. The jacket, emblazoned with slogans, acts as a visual manifesto reflecting the alienation of youth countercultures in the late 20th century. The figure's turned back suggests a rejection of established norms and a deliberate distancing from mainstream society. To fully grasp the image's social commentary, it is important to consult historical records, sociological studies of youth subcultures, and perhaps even Goldberg's own statements on the work. Through this we can understand the role of the artist as a social observer and the photograph as a mirror reflecting the socio-political landscape of its time.