Exercise: Robert Frank. The Americans. Symbols.

Exercise: Robert Frank. The Americans. Symbols.

St. Petersburg 1956.

An urban setting with five elderly citizens sitting on a bench on an American sidewalk.  None appear to be smiling, one is smoking and there is no sign of conversation.  They may be waiting for a bus but there is no sign of a bus stop.  Cruising from left to right in the background of the picture is a large car, symbol of progress, self determination and power; all the things the five seated figures don’t possess.  The driver of the car chooses his destination; the five seated figures wait for the bus.  The motion of the car is indicated by a slow shutter speed that allows for slight motion blur plus a tilting of the horizon to highlight ease of travel.    

Don’t Miss Mister.

A photograph of three gay black men who are obviously posing for the camera.  One appears to be shy and hides his face behind his hand.  Should anyone miss the clues of gayness in the look and pose of the three men the sign in the background stating “DON’T MISS MISTER” gives the viewer a less than subtle hint.

National Flag.

Taken in Hoboken in 1955 it features a US flag draped across the from of a building and cutting across the buildings windows.  The two residents framed in the two windows are having their view of the street parade by the very symbol of their country.  As Frank himself said, “National emblems may provide a focus, but they also stand in the way of seeing.”

Dumb.

Christmas is a time of cheer and festivities, but only if you have the time to enjoy it.  The sullen face of the waitress nicely demonstrates what she thinks of all the good cheer around her.  The fat cheeked Father Christmas, the Western symbol for the festive season, is in complete contrast to her mood.

Conspiracy.

The picture looks to have been taken a political event where a group of powerful men, as signified by the dark glasses, the arm chairs and the cigar, are leaning in towards each other in deep conversation.  The enveloping left arm on the right hints at conspiracy.  What are they hatching up?

Second Part.  After reading Kerouac.

Many of Frank’s images are so familiar that it not always easy to look at them with fresh eyes and de-construct them afresh.  

The Bus.

This picture demonstrates nicely the racial divides prevalent in the USA at this time, with it's black citizens seen as lesser beings, forced into inferior work, and made to travel in the back of the bus.  This image captures the then situation in America perfectly.

Ford River Rouge Factory.

This factory had been the main Ford factory from the days of the Model T.  This picture shows what a soul-less place it is, with no indication as to what was being manufactured within its walls.  Frank helps us by providing an obviously American car to give us a clue.  The horizon is tilted so as to give the appearance of the car labouring uphill.  A portent perhaps of the collapse, not only of the American motor industry, but of Detroit itself.

Garden Party.

A lovely scene of apparent equals at a garden party.  A closer look reveals who is the higher socially.  The women on the left are clearly displaying deference to the woman on the right with raised glasses and rather nervous smiles.  The woman on the right has her head lowered and cocked to one side in what I would term the Mrs Thatcher "interested" look.  She looks far more assured; making the effort to listen before passing on to the next group.  She demonstrates the fact that she is not out impress by being the only woman not wearing a hat.  Her jewellery is high quality and her clothes tailored.   The male companions are taking subordinate roles in this encounter as demonstrated by their positions away from the centre.

Cab Fare.

I don’t know who this woman is but she clearly does.  She reads, or appears to read, her New York Times as a distraction to her journey.  Her eyes look as though she is looking out over the paper at the city, but doesn’t necessarily wish to demonstrate any interest in it.  The wearing of the gloves is a sensible precaution when reading a news paper but the affectation of white gloves is symbol of her not wanting to be polluted by the city.  The presence of the paper is almost acting as a veil, hiding her from the world but allowing her to look upon it.

Reno Nevada.  Seated Figures.

There are only two things I know about Reno; one is gambling and the other is quicky marriages.  As this was taken in the Town Hall I am guessing they are there for a quick wedding.  The man is looking nervously out of shot, as if waiting to be for some invitation or action.  The girl looks pensive and unsure of herself.  Is she pregnant and already regretting the forthcoming marriage?  They are clearly dressed up for something important, with him in a smart suit and tie and with his shoes highly polished, and her in a fine dress and carrying a quality handbag.  They are holding hands in what what seems to mutual support rather than mutual love.