White House around the Corner from Joanne’s House, West Oakland, California c. 1963 - 1971

This gelatin silver print, "White House around the Corner from Joanne’s House, West Oakland, California," was made by Joanne Leonard. What strikes me first is the texture. The grain feels like a deliberate choice, lending a palpable weight to the scene. Look at how the light catches the woman’s skirt, the way the pattern almost vibrates against the still background. It's a beautiful, quiet tension. The worn steps and the faded paint, these aren't just details; they're evidence of time, of daily life etched into the surface. The image has a certain stillness, but those subtle shifts in texture and tone give the picture a kind of breath. It reminds me a bit of the work of Roy DeCarava, that same intimacy and quiet observation, but here, there's a distinct sense of place, of a very specific corner in West Oakland. The image is more than just a photograph; it's a meditation on home, history, and the stories embedded within the everyday.