Harry Callahan, Detroit 1942

Here we see a silver gelatin print by Todd Webb portraying Harry Callahan, taken in Detroit. Callahan, a contemporary of Webb, also engaged with photography in ways that were influenced by their individual experiences and perspectives on American society. Webb’s photograph might be viewed through the lens of identity and representation. Callahan, a white male photographer, was capturing images in Detroit, a city with a significant African American population, particularly during the mid-20th century. This photograph invites reflection on the power dynamics inherent in who is behind the camera and whose stories are being told. Detroit, like many other American cities, was shaped by racial segregation, economic disparities, and social inequalities. The image prompts us to consider how the photographer and the subject influence our understanding of the city. It speaks to the complexities of representation, identity, and the historical context of urban America.