Transylvania, Louisiana 1998 - 2002

"Transylvania, Louisiana" is a portrait photograph by Deborah Luster, part of a series of images she created between 1998 and 2002. The photograph depicts a young Black man wearing a simple t-shirt with a chain and cross around his neck. The subject's gaze is direct and penetrating, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Luster's work explores the complexities of race, identity, and representation in the American South. This series specifically focused on African American communities in Louisiana, highlighting their resilience and cultural richness. The use of a tintype process, which was popular in the 19th century, adds a historical dimension to the work, referencing the legacy of photography in documenting the lives of Black people in America.