Rock & roll--Alan Freed 7 c. 1957

Curator: Welcome. We are looking at "Rock & roll--Alan Freed 7," a contact sheet made around 1957 by Robert Frank, created using gelatin silver print. Editor: My initial reaction is one of stark contrast. The rows of small images packed together feel chaotic, yet they're contained within the rigid structure of the film strip itself. There's something tense about it. Curator: Precisely. The formal element of the grid emphasizes repetition and the sequencing inherent to photography. Each frame is a captured moment, a fragmented narrative held together. Look at the play of light and shadow across the faces in the crowd. Editor: And consider what's being documented. Rock and roll, a burgeoning cultural phenomenon. The process of documenting it, capturing the energy of a live performance on film—it's about more than just freezing a moment in time. Frank's presence and decisions as a photographer contribute to how that scene is being remembered and what it’s meaning to society. The materiality is central here; the grainy texture, the stark contrast achieved with gelatin silver, create a visceral sense of immediacy. This isn't polished or refined; it's raw and vital, matching the music itself. Curator: I agree, and the way the photographer captures crowds is fascinating here, as we view individuals as indistinguishable masses under bright lights, the images on this contact print gain extra power through the visual contrast of adjacent frames. He uses the film strip and its segments to express movement. The artist builds that energy and gives this moment depth, making the print a valuable artifact of time. Editor: Exactly! Frank gives importance to the document that is typically considered secondary, allowing this to be presented as art. His framing decisions are vital to conveying the moment's vibrancy to us. There's so much history packed into these little silver grains! Curator: The contact sheet offers insight into Frank's decision-making, inviting us to participate in his creative process. A great piece of observation. Editor: Absolutely. It's a glimpse into a moment and a medium, the physical manifestation of cultural energy captured and preserved. Thanks for giving a glimpse into that moment in music history!