Street Fair, Paris 1933

Ilse Bing made this gelatin silver print, "Street Fair, Paris," using a process that democratized image-making. Photography in the early 20th century was undergoing rapid changes. The accessibility of cameras and darkroom processes allowed for a wider range of people to document and represent the world around them, as well as push the boundaries of art. In this image, Bing captured the essence of a street fair with an industrial gaze. The high contrast, combined with the grainy texture, gives the photograph a raw and immediate feel. The focus on the light and shadow creates a dynamic composition, turning an everyday scene into a study of form and light, while drawing our attention to the material conditions of labor, highlighting the relationship between commerce and the urban environment. Considering the materials and making of this photograph lets us appreciate its cultural significance and challenges any rigid separation between art and documentation.