Labor Anonymous c. 1946

Walker Evans created the black and white photograph titled, *Labor Anonymous*. This image speaks to the conditions of the working class, particularly during times of economic hardship. Evans's focus on the individual worker, rather than a group, suggests a sense of isolation and anonymity. The man's downcast gaze and the stark background, contribute to a feeling of resignation. Evans, deeply influenced by the documentary approach, sought to capture what he termed "the present time." He was interested in showing everyday life, and this image captures the lived experience of a worker, stripped of individuality. The photograph can be seen as a commentary on the social and economic forces shaping the lives of ordinary people. Evans encourages us to consider the human cost of labor and the emotional toll on individuals within a larger system.