Robert Frank. The Trolley-New Orleans, 1955

In the heart of the 1950s, Swiss photographer Robert Frank introduced a series of photographs that would soon redefine American photography. His collection, titled “The Americans”, though initially met with criticism, was eventually regarded as an iconic masterpiece. It presented a raw, unfiltered view of American society, shying away from the glitz and glamour, and focusing more on the stark realities of the time.

The cover of this groundbreaking book features the notable photograph “Trolley, New Orleans, 1955”, a picture that captures the mood and themes echoed throughout the book. This candid offers a glimpse into a day in the life of various individuals, each visible through the separate windows of a trolley bus. It feels as though each window harbours a different story, a different emotion; a tableau of unique, unscripted moments and expression.

At first view, your eyes might be drawn immediately to the central window, where the faces of children reflect a blend of innocence and perhaps, a hint of confusion, but then your gaze naturally moves across the other frames, you encounter differing expressions, an unspoken narrative depicting the different facets of society at the time. The individuals in the trolley, segregated based on race, depict a quiet yet palpable commentary on the societal norms of the time. From the elderly woman’s scowl to the sombre, contemplative gaze of the black man, every expression serves as a testament to the complex, multi-faceted nature of American society during that era.

#PhotoDigest
#RobertFrank
#TheAmericans
#Candid
#StreetPhotography
#DocumentaryPhotography