American Legion, Bangor, Pennsylvania 1978

Larry Fink made this photograph, American Legion, Bangor, Pennsylvania, sometime in the late twentieth century. The composition is classic Fink: a slice of everyday life, rendered with an unflinching eye for detail and a palpable sense of atmosphere. The textures in this image are amazing, right? The smooth surfaces of the appliances are juxtaposed against the gritty, textured wall. Look closely at the fan: its delicate metal frame casting a shadow that seems almost as solid as the object itself. The eye is drawn to the way the light catches on the edges of the metal blades, creating a sense of depth and volume. The clock with the Miller High Life sign adds a touch of Americana. It reminds me a little bit of Walker Evans, or even Robert Frank, in the way that it captures the beauty and the grit of the American experience. Like their work, this photograph leaves you with more questions than answers, inviting you to fill in the blanks and to bring your own experiences to bear on what you see.