Jalapa 39 (Homage to F.K.) 1973

Aaron Siskind created this photograph titled ‘Jalapa 39 (Homage to F.K.)’, sometime in the mid-20th century. The image, a gelatin silver print, strikes us with its stark contrast of black and white. The photograph is a close-up of what appears to be heavily painted marks on a textured surface, possibly a wall. The composition is dominated by bold, dark lines that intersect and overlap, creating a sense of depth and complexity. The texture of the underlying surface adds another layer of visual interest, suggesting a rough, weathered quality. Siskind’s photograph transforms mundane, accidental markings into a powerful abstract composition. Siskind was deeply influenced by abstract expressionism, and this work reflects his interest in finding abstract forms in the everyday world. The ‘Homage to F.K.’ in the title suggests a tribute to Franz Kline, another artist known for his bold, black and white abstract paintings. This photograph challenges our perception of space, surface, and representation. The photograph invites us to see beyond the literal subject matter and to appreciate the formal qualities of line, texture, and composition.