Benin c. 1968

Darryl Cowherd's photograph, Benin, presents a close-up portrait in monochrome. The contrast is stark; like drawing with light, Cowherd coaxes subtle gradations from dark blacks to luminous whites. The artist’s approach to tone is palpable in the granular texture of the print; the image feels like it's being built up, layer by layer, like a drawing. The surface invites touch, almost like pigment on a canvas. I’m drawn to the sliver of light that catches the edge of the sitter’s lip; it illuminates not just the physical form, but some kind of interiority. The sitter's gaze is fixed on something beyond the frame, inviting us to consider their world, their thoughts. Thinking about other artists, I'm reminded of Dawoud Bey, who also creates powerful portraits that reveal the depth and complexity of the human experience. Art is always a conversation, isn't it? An exchange of ideas that stretches across time, leaving plenty of room for mystery.