57th Street Possibly 1954 - 1978

William Klein, who died just last year, made this gelatin silver print titled "57th Street." Klein was known for his raw, energetic street photography, which captured the pulse of urban life. In the post-war era, New York City was a melting pot of cultures and identities. Klein, the son of Jewish immigrants, was interested in capturing the vibrancy of its streets, its inhabitants, and its complex social dynamics. In this close-up shot, we see a crowd of New Yorkers, each with their own story etched on their faces. The woman in the foreground, with her poised demeanor and stylish attire, hints at the aspirations and social expectations placed on women of the time. The blurred motion and high contrast add to the frenetic energy of the scene, reflecting the fast pace of city life. Klein himself said: “I like imperfection. I think it’s more interesting.” This image reminds us that the streets are stages where individual identities and collective histories intersect.