R J, Transylvania, Louisiana 1998

Deborah Luster made this portrait, R J, in Transylvania, Louisiana, using the tintype process. The color palette is limited and somber, like an old photograph found in your grandparent’s attic. This approach to making images feels both nostalgic and immediate. The material aspects of this work are really striking. The surface is reflective and smooth, and I’m struck by the imperfections around the edges of the metal plate that serve as a frame. The subdued tones emphasize the subject’s physical presence. The lighting is simple, casting soft shadows that highlight the texture of his skin. Look closely at the tattoos and the faded marks on his chest; they tell a story, don't they? This work reminds me of Dawoud Bey’s portraits, where the subject’s humanity is front and center, demanding our attention and respect. Art like this invites us to see beyond the surface, embracing the ambiguity and multiple layers of meaning inherent in every individual.