Denise Williams, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 28 - 1999

Deborah Luster created this tintype portrait of Denise Williams in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. The choice of the tintype process connects Luster’s work to the history of portraiture, particularly in the American South, where photography was used both to document and to perpetuate racial stereotypes. Here, however, the image challenges such a history. Williams's gaze is averted, perhaps suggesting a degree of vulnerability or introspection. The scarring on her neck is a striking and emotional element. It invites viewers to consider the stories of survival, resilience, and the physical manifestations of trauma that are often overlooked in conventional portraiture. Luster uses the language of historical photography, a medium that once marginalized its subjects, to center the experiences and histories of individuals like Denise Williams. The photograph compels us to confront the enduring legacies of violence and marginalization. The image becomes a testament to the strength and endurance of individuals who have faced adversity, and an important reflection on the complex interplay of race, history, and representation.