Untitled (portrait of girl in pigtail braids with one arm over back of upholstered chair) c. 1955

This Untitled portrait of a girl in pigtails, made by Paul Gittings, presents us with a study in photographic process itself. It's an image where the light seems to emanate from within, giving the whole scene a spectral quality. The negative space here isn't just a void; it's active, it shapes the figure. Notice how the light defines the contours of the girl's face and arms, almost like a sculptor chiseling away at the darkness. The grainy texture of the photographic plate adds another layer of depth, reminding us of the material reality of the medium. It's almost like looking at an X-ray, revealing not just the subject but the underlying structure. This reminds me of early photographic experiments by artists like Anna Atkins, who embraced the accidental beauty of the process. There’s a vulnerability here, an honesty about the act of seeing and recording. It is a celebration of process over perfection, inviting us to appreciate the beauty of imperfection.