"Juice," Angola, Louisiana 19 - 1999

"Juice," a 1999 photograph by Deborah Luster, is part of a series documenting the lives of young men in Angola, Louisiana, a maximum security prison. This intimate portrait depicts a young man in a close-up, his gaze directed directly at the viewer, challenging their perception of the individuals incarcerated within the prison walls. The photograph’s sepia tone and the faint scratches on the print give it a timeless, almost historical feel, emphasizing the harsh realities of life within the prison system. The use of a simple, direct portrait style in Luster's "Juice" allows the viewer to connect with the subject on a personal level, inviting introspection into the broader issues of incarceration and social justice.