Mary--Children and family 2 c. 1949 - 1950

This is a photographic work by Robert Frank, known for his raw and influential style. Here, Frank uses a humble, accessible material – photographic film – to capture a series of images. The filmstrip format reveals the artist’s process, showing us the outtakes and variations that contribute to the final image. It’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a photograph. The materiality of the film itself influences the appearance of the work, its graininess and contrast adding to the gritty realism that Frank is celebrated for. Frank's engagement with photography challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and documentation. The images, with their everyday subject matter, speak to wider social issues, of labor, politics, and consumption. By emphasizing materials, making, and context, we can understand the full meaning of Frank’s artwork.