Frank, Continued . . .

The theme of race fits within the scope of the collection to the extent that the majority of the images draw upon public life, capturing people as they go about their business. Frank exhibits a particular fondness for catching people at rest, enjoying a moment of privacy amidst a surrounding context. "Navy Recruiting Station (#22)" portrays a pair of feet resting on the surface of a desk as viewed through an open doorway. The camera angle cuts off the remainder of the figure, leaving the viewer to consider the contrast between the attitude of leisure and the trappings of bureaucratic efficiency (e.g., An American flag, recruiting posters). Similarly, "Yale Commencement (#50)" presents a graduation scene in which the students walk by in single file, dressed in their caps and gowns. Nearby, an elderly gentleman sits with his newspaper, caught in the posture of boredom. In this, and many other images, Frank offers a persepective bordering on satire, inviting the viewer to share a private joke. In this respect, he denies any pretense to "objectivity," acknowledging a vision which is singular, fleeting.

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