Fishermen--40 Fotos 1941 - 1945

Editor: So, this is Robert Frank’s "Fishermen--40 Fotos", a gelatin silver print made between 1941 and 1945. The light on the water really draws me in, but the figures seem kind of isolated. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The photograph is quite compelling. I’m particularly interested in the boats themselves – their construction, the apparent wear and tear. Think about the labor involved in both building and maintaining these vessels. Editor: You're right, the boats do look well-used. Are you thinking about the social context too? Curator: Precisely. Frank isn't just capturing a picturesque scene; he's documenting a way of life tied to physical labor and the materials at hand. What do these boats suggest about the socioeconomic circumstances of these fishermen during that time? What impact might have been done on environment and what for? Editor: That's a good point. Maybe the simplicity of the boats speaks to a certain resourcefulness, maybe even economic hardship. Do you see his choice to take a photo and not to paint a photo too to support this direction? Curator: Exactly! The immediate indexicality of photography gives it weight, and paired with Frank's seemingly unadorned style, it removes an artistic distance. By documenting instead of constructing an idealized image, he brings this type of working process forward. Editor: This makes me see the photo completely different. Curator: Yes, examining the materials and modes of production transforms it from just a scene of fishermen into a document of their lived experience and resourcefulness within their environment. Editor: It's fascinating how focusing on the material aspects can unlock deeper meanings within the artwork. Thank you for explaining it this way!