Untitled 1992

This is an untitled photograph by Thomas Roma. The grayscale feels raw, like a charcoal drawing, capturing a moment of deep emotion in what looks like a church. I’m drawn to how Roma uses light and shadow to define the forms, especially the woman’s face in the foreground. You can almost feel the texture of her skin, the weight of the moment pressing down. The grainy quality isn’t polished or slick, there's an honesty that feels very real. See how her eyes are closed and her chin is lifted in what looks like prayer or praise. The way Roma captured this gesture gives the image a sense of movement, like a song. I'm thinking about the work of Dawoud Bey, who similarly captured the dignity and grace of everyday people. Photography is like painting, it embraces ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations. It’s all about how we see and feel, not just what’s in front of us.