The Brown Sisters, Brookline, Massachusetts 2018

This black and white photograph is by Nicholas Nixon, of the Brown Sisters, taken in Brookline, Massachusetts. The sisters stand close, almost pressed together, and the monochromatic palette seems to pull the viewer in. The lack of color encourages us to really look, to examine the texture of their skin and the lines around their eyes. There is a quiet observation of time, of ageing, of sisterhood. It feels like a very honest portrayal. The way they huddle together speaks volumes about their bond, and how they appear to lean on each other. I'm drawn to the arms of the sister at the back, how they're wrapped protectively around the other. There is a gentle strength in the gesture, a tangible sense of connection, and it reminds me of the work of Rineke Dijkstra, who also captures the quiet intensity of human relationships. Ultimately, this image embraces a kind of ambiguity, inviting us to reflect on our own relationships and the passage of time.