Brother and Sister, Jamaica 1973

Herb Robinson made this photograph, Brother and Sister, Jamaica, at an unknown date using an analogue camera and black and white film. I can imagine him, wandering around Jamaica, looking for moments like this, where intimacy and culture meet. The composition is so clever, right? It creates an intimate frame for the two children. The contrast, from bright white to deep black, gives it a graphic quality. The fabric wrapping the older sibling’s head is particularly striking. You can see the individual threads, each one catching the light. But look at the younger child’s eyes, that direct gaze seems to invite you in while also demanding respect. Robinson’s choice to capture this instant, this connection, elevates it beyond just a snapshot. It is a powerful statement about family, identity, and the human condition. Artists are constantly responding to what has come before, and Robinson is no exception. This feels connected to the work of photographers like Roy DeCarava. Photography helps us to feel and connect with each other across time and space.