Denise Williams, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 28 - 1999

Deborah Luster's 1999 photograph, "Denise Williams, St. Gabriel, Louisiana," is a poignant portrait of a young woman named Denise Williams. The black and white photograph captures Williams in profile, her gaze directed away from the viewer, with a prominent scar visible on her cheek. This intimate and direct image, reminiscent of 19th-century tintypes, explores themes of identity, resilience, and the lasting impact of trauma. Luster’s use of the tintype format, traditionally associated with historical documentation, lends weight to the subject's story and highlights the enduring power of individual narratives.