Doris McKinney, Republic Steel (Working People series) 1978 - 1979

Milton Rogovin made this photograph, Doris Mckinney, Republic Steel, as part of his series on working people. Just imagine him there with her, a powerful Black woman, maybe in Buffalo, sometime in the 20th century. Rogovin, the photographer, is a witness. He's interested in the world, in people's lives and what they do. It’s a super direct photograph. It’s so matter-of-fact, the way he captures her in her helmet and goggles, doing this tough job. You can almost feel the heat and hear the clang of the steel. There's a lot of trust implied; I wonder if they chatted. Painters and photographers, we're all just trying to see and share what we see. It's like a visual conversation that keeps going, everyone adding their own voice. I think the best art always leaves room for questions and for different ways of seeing.