Nude 1965

This photograph titled Nude, was made by Gordon Parks. I'm immediately struck by how he's approached the light and shadow in this piece. It's as if he's painting with light, sculpting the form with these bold contrasts. Parks isn't just capturing an image. He’s really playing with the surface, the texture of skin against the soft bedding, and that dramatic wash of red-orange light. The color is so intense, it almost feels like you could reach out and touch it. He isn't trying to hide the process, it’s all about the drama of the moment, the way the light transforms the familiar into something almost abstract. Look at how the fingers rest on the shoulder, those small shadows create a sense of depth and intimacy. It reminds me a little of Edward Hopper, especially his use of light to create mood. But where Hopper is often cool and detached, Parks feels warmer, more inviting. Art is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas. Parks isn't afraid to leave things open to interpretation, and in doing so, invites us to bring our own experiences to the work.