Angola, Louisiana 23 - 1999

"Angola, Louisiana" is a photograph taken by Deborah Luster in 1999 as part of her series documenting the Angola State Penitentiary, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. The image captures a solitary figure in a field, the subject's gaze directed at the viewer with a powerful intensity. The photograph's composition and framing are reminiscent of a traditional portrait, highlighting the individual within a harsh and restrictive environment. Luster's work explores themes of incarceration, race, and the human condition, challenging viewers to confront the realities of America's penal system.