Untitled 1993

This photograph, by Thomas Roma, captures a moment of devotion within a church setting. Roma's choice of black and white enhances the emotive quality, drawing us into the stark reality of the scene. I find myself thinking about the hand placed on the woman's head, a gesture heavy with meaning, connection, and the transmission of something sacred. I wonder what the photographer felt at that moment? How did they frame it? The image, rich in texture and tone, reminds me of the quiet, powerful work of Dawoud Bey. His portraits, much like this photograph, delve deep into the human experience. Photography, like painting, is all about light and shadow, and the way they dance together to tell a story. There's a rawness here, an honesty that bypasses sentimentality and speaks to the core of belief. Artists are always looking, interpreting, and adding their voice to an ongoing conversation about what it means to be human. Roma's image is a testament to that enduring dialogue.