London, 2003, in Piccadilly Circus Possibly 2003 - 2014

In 2003, Leo Rubinfien captured this moment in London, right in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, using photography. This is a straight-up, no-nonsense black and white photograph. What hits you first is the contrast, how the light carves out the forms. Look at the texture in his suit, see how it almost vibrates against the softer focus of the London bus behind. This isn't just a picture, it's a study in contrasts, a balance of sharp and soft that keeps your eye dancing. The man's gaze is direct, almost confrontational, yet there’s a softness in his expression. His suit is smooth, and yet there's so much grit in the background. The whole scene feels a bit like a film noir, stylish and full of tension, calling to mind the work of Robert Frank, who similarly found poetry in the everyday. It's about seeing the world, not as it is, but as it feels.