The above image is a picture of a Parisian suburb in 1936. The figures appear to be dancing on an open street and the provided information explains that their movement is in reference to a national strike demanding a 40 hour work week with paid holidays and collective agreements. The image is heavily concentrated with figures in the back that disperse towards the foreground. There is a circular movement made by the fluid figures (notably all men in similar dress.) Additional horizontal lines are created through the cobblestone street that is mirrored by the arrangement of the figures on the left hand side.
I was instantly drawn to this photo because of its strong contrast between focused and unfocused figures. The men in the front are blurry - perhaps because they are moving - while those in the back are very sharp and clear. I also appreciated the use of darks and lights in the the clothing to create emphasis. Without the additional information I would have no idea what the gathering was referencing and I like how the photo leaves the general message up for interpretation by the viewer.
Mara Schlanger
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