HCB Appreciation

Taking it at face value, I’ve always found this photo equal parts fascinating and repellent. It’s a strong photo because of the diagonal composition, the human chain caught mid-action, and the three sets of eyes directed at the camera, and for some viewers that may be enough. But surely most of us want to know who these people are (even what sex they are), and what is going on. I think HCB said that his lodgings were across the road from this brothel. It puzzles me that any customers were attracted there, but what would I know?

I suspect HCB liked it especially because it broke taboos. There seems to have been a strong element of naughty boy in his character. Also, it foreshadows Diane Arbus, doesn’t it?