Robert Gould Shaw Memorial c. 1973 - 2008

This photo of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial was made by Richard Benson, who really explored the possibilities of light and texture. The printing process itself feels so important here, doesn't it? Look closely at the surface of the image. It’s not just a flat representation; you can almost feel the grit and the grain of the stone, the weight of history pressing down. The faces of the soldiers are so powerful, all those men shoulder to shoulder. The detail in their faces is incredible, and then just behind you start to lose the clarity. It's so interesting how some areas are more clearly articulated than others; it's a dance between clarity and mystery. Thinking about the way the light plays across the surface, I’m reminded of the work of Felix Gonzalez-Torres, and his sensitivity to surface and form. Both artists, in their own way, invite us to contemplate the complexities of history and memory, and the beauty of shared experience. Art is this conversation, right?