Reflection--Design c. 1941

This photograph, Reflection--Design, was made by Robert Frank, but we don't know exactly when. What I love about this picture is its kind of weird and melancholic vibe, achieved through simple tones of grey and silver. The repeating grid pattern of circles and the central square feel almost like a face staring back at you, or a puzzle waiting to be solved. Each circle seems to hold a different world inside, reflecting light in unpredictable ways. It's like Frank is showing us how seeing is never just about looking straight on. Look closely at the way the light catches the edges of each shape. This reminds me of the play between order and chaos that you find in the work of artists like Vija Celmins. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to slow down and consider the subtle beauty of everyday objects, and the way they reflect our own inner landscapes.