Early New York City no number 1947 - 1948

This intriguing gelatin silver print titled Early New York City no number was made by Robert Frank, sometime during his life. It shows strips of negatives, which is such a vulnerable and transparent way to present photographs. It's like the artist is thinking out loud about how to look at the world, through his camera. I wonder what it was like for Frank to walk around New York with his camera, observing everything. I imagine him walking on the street, looking for things to capture. He probably had to think fast, and decide what was worth capturing. I wonder what he thought was worth remembering. I think the material aspects of photography—the film, the grain, the way light and shadow play—add to the mood. You get a sense of the city's texture, the grittiness, and the light. Artists are always talking to each other. I feel a connection to Frank's eye—how he was curious about the world and found beauty in unexpected places. Ultimately, it’s not about perfect images, but more about embracing the unexpected and finding meaning in the everyday.