Henry Brooks 1941

Editor: Here we have Jack Delano’s photograph "Henry Brooks," taken in 1941. It's a gelatin silver print depicting an older Black man seated on the steps of a wooden structure. The monochromatic tones create such a strong, palpable mood, somber yet peaceful. What stories do you think are embedded in this image? Curator: It's a powerful image. Delano, working for the Farm Security Administration, captured so much more than just a portrait here. The lines etched on Henry Brooks’ face, the worn texture of his clothes, even the rough-hewn steps - they all speak to a history of resilience and perseverance amidst systemic inequality. What do you see in his gaze? Where do you think he's looking? Editor: He seems to be gazing upwards, maybe towards the sky, with a hint of a smile. There's a sense of hope, perhaps? Curator: Precisely. Delano’s choice to photograph Brooks looking upwards is significant. During this era, the Black community faced intense socio-political challenges. By positioning Brooks’ gaze heavenward, Delano subtly nods to the strength drawn from faith and community in the face of adversity. It invites us to consider the spiritual and emotional resources that sustained individuals like Brooks during such difficult times. Consider also how social realism operated in the USA, with images like these as indictments of systemic failures. How do you think contemporary audiences receive this image? Editor: I think now we can see it as a symbol of dignity and quiet resistance, reminding us of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality. Curator: Absolutely. Delano gives Brooks a quiet strength, far removed from popular contemporary caricatures, but it's still fraught and difficult. Images like this are powerful tools for fostering dialogue and challenging preconceived notions, but the image has the ability to affect audiences across generations, underscoring the urgent need to understand the complexities of our past. Editor: That's given me so much to consider. It's amazing how one photograph can be so multi-layered and speak to so many different social and political themes. Curator: Indeed. It is a constant reminder of the importance of intersectional narratives in art history.