Farmer’s Kitchen, Hale County, Alabama, 1936 by Walker Evans
1) Describe the scene preserved by the camera.
- Kitchen in a wooden cabin
- One table, one chair
- Oil lamp on table
- Cabinets in back
- Towel is hanging on a hook
- Bowl is placed next to towel
- Door is beside table
- No people inside the house
- Very clean and tidy
2) Analyze the formal elements of the image’s composition.
- Towel is placed in the middle of the photograph. It is the center of attention.
- Towel is stark white. It stands out from everything else as a result of the contrast.
- Towel and wash bowl is placed closer to the camera.
- Table creates shadows on the floor.
- Black and white photo; no colour.
3) Reflect on the emotions and interpretations read from the photograph.
- Setting is in the past, during the afternoon
- People are out working in the farm
- Hardwork is essential
- Well-mannered family
- Lower class family, living a simple life
- Boring and repetitive life
- Single person living in the house OR the whole farm gathers in one household to eat OR more chairs are hidden and the family eats together