Al Coleman 1975

Mike Mandel made this image of Al Coleman sometime in the 20th century, in black and white. What strikes me is the framing, how the subject is centered but looks upwards, like a Caravaggio with a baseball mask. The textures in this photo are unreal! From the almost velvety suit to the netting of the mask, there's this tangible quality, even in monochrome. And the baseball itself, so smooth, cradled in those hands, it's all about touch, a sense of holding something precious. Look at how Coleman's fingers curve around the ball – it's a gesture that speaks volumes. It’s so considered, you can imagine the artist deciding on the subjects stance, the angle of their head. It reminds me of other artists who use photography to capture something essential about people, like, maybe August Sander? Though Sander's portraits are very different, there’s the same urge to get at something true about people. Ultimately, it's a photograph that leaves you with questions more than answers, which is what great art should do, right?