Early New York City 78 1948

This is Robert Frank’s ‘Early New York City 78’, a collection of black and white photographs, a window into another time. I love how the filmstrip itself is a kind of ready-made grid, each frame a little moment. Frank's photographs have a raw, almost gritty quality. It’s like he’s not trying to pretty things up, you know? The images feel like quick snapshots, catching fleeting moments of everyday life in New York. The high contrast gives a beautiful range of greys, it's like he’s painting with light and shadow. Look at the range of activity – people walking, buildings looming, signs competing for attention. It reminds me of the work of Garry Winogrand, another street photographer who captured the frenetic energy of city life. It’s all about the in-between moments, the unplanned gestures, the random encounters that make up the rhythm of urban life. It’s a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, if you just keep your eyes open and your mind curious.