Untitled (Lower West Side series) 1973

This black and white photograph is part of Milton Rogovin’s Lower West Side series. Rogovin was deeply invested in the social power of photography, and how it could act as a medium to expose marginalized communities to a wider audience. The photo's grainy texture and stark contrasts come from the darkroom process; Rogovin carefully selected his paper and chemicals to evoke a sense of realism. The act of capturing a scene, especially with a large format camera like Rogovin favored, requires a deliberate approach. This method speaks to his respect for the subjects. Consider how the labor of photography intertwines with the lives of his subjects. There's a dialogue happening here, a shared moment between photographer and the people he portrays. Rogovin isn't just taking a picture, he's participating in a form of social advocacy, highlighting the humanity and resilience of a community often overlooked. He emphasizes the importance of process and context, challenging the way we perceive both art and the world around us.