Oslin's Graduation Party, Martins Creek, Pennsylvania Possibly 1977 - 2001

Larry Fink made this photograph at Oslin’s graduation party in Martins Creek, Pennsylvania. I imagine him there, moving amongst the party-goers, waiting for the right moment to press the shutter. Look at the way the light falls, the composition, and the subjects lost in their own worlds. He is searching for something authentic, raw, and real. You can see a declaration of independence tapestry hanging on the wall which feels ironic, doesn't it? Fink is known for capturing intimate moments in both affluent and working-class environments. He finds dignity and humanity in the everyday, revealing the complex relationships between people and their surroundings. It reminds me of Nan Goldin and other photographers who document the lives of their friends and family, pushing the boundaries between observer and participant. Ultimately, photography is about forging relationships, and I imagine Fink wanted to connect and share his perspective.