Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Possibly 1973 - 1994

This black and white photograph, "Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago," was captured by Richard Gordon. It plays with the interplay of layers, the bars of the enclosure taking center stage. The bars, standing like dark, bold lines, divide our gaze, creating a sense of distance from the world of the elephant. The photograph is like a study in contrasts, with the soft, muted tones of the elephant's form offset by the sharp, angular lines of the bars. Gordon directs our attention to the way these contrasting elements interact. There's something melancholic about this picture, not just because of the grey scale but also the composition. I'm reminded of some of the work of Garry Winogrand, who also captured the raw and unpredictable energy of city life. Ultimately, it encourages us to look beyond the surface, to contemplate the layers of meaning embedded in the everyday.