The photograph titled “Chicago,” taken by Harry Callahan around 1948, depicts an abstract view of a multi-story building facade with a repetitive pattern of windows. Some windows reflect light, creating a contrast between light and dark, while others are opaque or shaded, giving the photograph a sense of rhythm and texture. The patterned repetition and variation in light create an almost hypnotic grid that can be interpreted as a commentary on urban living or architecture.
As a black and white image, it emphasizes geometric patterns, textures, and the interplay of light and shadow. The composition is tight and there is no visible horizon line, sky, or ground, which allows for an interpretation that could range from a section of a single building to a reflection of the urban environment of mid-20th century Chicago.
