New York 1987

Rosalind Solomon made this photograph, New York, using gelatin silver. I’m immediately drawn to the stark contrast and the way Solomon plays with light and shadow. Look at how the texture of the grass almost vibrates. It’s a really tactile image, even though it’s a photograph. The shadows feel cool and almost ominous. It is the gaze of the figures that holds my attention. There’s a directness, but also a vulnerability. In terms of process, photography is about capturing a moment, but it’s also about constructing a narrative. The composition, the angle, the lighting—all of these elements contribute to the story that’s being told. Solomon’s work often explores themes of identity and connection, reminiscent of Diane Arbus’s unflinching portraits. Both artists invite us to confront the complexities of the human experience, reminding us that art can be a powerful tool for empathy and understanding, even if it doesn’t provide easy answers.