Reach by John Gutmann (1938)

The photograph titled “Reach,” taken by artist John Gutmann, is from San Francisco in the year 1938. In this black and white image, the focus is set on the hood ornament of a car, which appears to depict a figure in a dynamic, extended pose, possibly representing flight or reaching forward. The car itself is partly visible, occupying the left side of the photo. Meanwhile, a blurred image of a man wearing a hat and a suit who seems to be walking past the car is visible in the background on the right. The photograph captures contrast in both motion and stillness, and in foreground and background elements. The shallow depth of field accentuates the hood ornament and gives a sense of movement, juxtaposing the passerby with the inanimate object, which almost seems alive due to its form and placement.

Other Photographs from John Gutmann

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