Early New York City no number c. 1948 - 1950

This is Robert Frank’s "Early New York City no number", a photo made with, well, a camera and film, sometime in the mid-20th century. There's something about seeing a contact sheet that lays bare the process. It’s like peering into the artist's mind as they sift through moments, trying to catch something elusive. I love the grainy texture, and the way the light flickers across the images. Each frame is like a little painting, full of life, shadows, and movement. Look at the repetition of the buses. Think of it like a visual poem or a musical composition where certain motifs repeat and intertwine. I'm reminded of Walker Evans, another photographer who captured the American landscape. But Frank's work has this raw, edgy energy, capturing something more intimate and personal. It's a reminder that art isn't just about the final product, it's about the journey and the process of seeing.