Michael O'Leary
Manuel Alvarez Bravo, "The Crouched Ones"
1934, gelatin silver print
I chose this photo because I loved the lighting. The grate was only partially rolled up which created this dark shadow that hid all of their faces. By allowing their heads to fall off into the darkness, Bravo refrains from individualizing them. They are no longer singular persons but a collective people. Their clothes are all well worn, torn, or stained representing hard labor in their jobs. Another interesting feature is the chains that link all the chairs. They go across the back of the chairs so all the men's feet stay within them, perhaps suggesting a world that limits and locks them into certain jobs and standings.
Manuel Alvarez Bravo chose an interesting title for this image. It is called "The Crouched Ones though none of the people appear to be crouched. Bravo himself gave an interesting explanation for the title, saying that crouching was a defense mechanism for the Mexican people "who can fold their body and soul into this humble position and still retain their pride and integrity."
