Washington (southwest section), D.C. Negro woman in her bedroom after 1942

Gordon Parks made this photograph of an African American woman in her bedroom in Washington D.C. The image is rendered in black and white. Parks uses a variety of tones to create depth and texture. The contrast between light and shadow is striking. The photograph is composed of a series of textures: the smoothness of the mirror, the rough surface of the wall, the softness of the woman's dress. These elements create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The woman’s gaze is directed towards the left of the image, creating a sense of mystery. I am drawn to the circular shape of the mirror and how it repeats the roundness of her face. This formal echo binds the composition, creating a sense of unity. Parks was a master of capturing the human condition. He was able to convey complex emotions with a simple image. Like the paintings of Alice Neel, Parks’ photographs are a testament to the power of art to create empathy and understanding.