George Meche, Angola, Louisiana 19 - 1999

Deborah Luster made this photograph of George Meche in Angola, Louisiana. The sepia tones give it an antique feel, like a daguerrotype from the Civil War era. It’s all about the play of light and shadow, transforming a simple portrait into something haunting. Look at Meche’s hands. The light illuminates this small lozenge, like an altar. The light isn’t really yellow, but the gold tonality makes it feel like it. There’s a ghostly, ethereal quality that makes you think about the process. Each mark and gesture contributes to this idea of the photographic image emerging from a soup. Luster’s work reminds me of Sally Mann’s portraits, they both delve into complex issues of identity, memory, and the American South. It’s more than just a picture; it’s a testament to the human capacity to see, think and feel.