George Washington Carver c. 1930 - 1981

Prentice H. Polk’s silver gelatin print, George Washington Carver, captures the scientist in his element. Look at the way Polk uses light and shadow; it’s almost like he’s painting with it. The composition is built up of layers, contrasting George Washington Carver with the background, which is a great example of how process can reveal so much. It reminds me of art-making; a constant experimentation to achieve the right balance. The textures here are fascinating, from the slick glass to the fabric of Carver's suit. He's holding these glass objects, each one catching the light a little differently, creating a symphony of dark and light. Then there’s the contrast with the shadows. It makes you wonder about all those unseen possibilities, just like the ones hidden in a painting, waiting to be discovered. Polk's work reminds me of Gordon Parks, who also used photography to capture the Black experience with such depth and nuance. It all points to art as a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas and perspectives, where ambiguity is welcomed.