Gallery Opening, New York City 1974

Larry Fink made this gelatin silver print, Gallery Opening, New York City. I like the way the high contrast feels documentary, like a moment quickly captured. You can imagine Fink sneaking around with his camera, a total fly-on-the-wall, capturing the social scene of a gallery opening. That woman looks like she's staring right into our souls! I can almost feel the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation. I wonder what she's thinking? Is she bored? Intrigued? A little tipsy, maybe? She's clutching a glass, seemingly suspended in the dark shadows that swallow up the other party goers. The light creates an interesting contrast across her face. The scene feels intimate, like we're getting a glimpse into a private moment amidst the social chaos. It reminds me of Nan Goldin's work—raw, honest, and a little bit voyeuristic. Artists, you know, they're always looking, always observing, trying to make sense of the world around them. It’s not just about documenting, but about feeling and sharing those feelings, one way or another.