Manuel Alvarez Bravo (1902-2002) is a Latin American photographer who had an interest in the work of Edward Weston and Tina Modotti, Bravo worked with the artists of Mexico’s avant-garde such as Frida Khalo. The focal point of this image is the water on the floor, which immediately gives me the impression that the woman’s water has broken, in combination with the title “Threshold,” this makes me infer that Bravo wanted to show pain and make the audience feel sympathetic. The idea of pain is emphasised through the very angular position of her feet, which makes it look like the person works too hard because they are alone. Bravo uses natural light in this photo since it gives the photo a colder look and makes it look dirty and unhomely. Since Bravo chose to frame the photo with just her legs in shot, this leaves no identity and makes me think Bravo wanted the photo to feel more general and show what many women have to deal with. This relates to my work because I want to show people how something familiar can have a completely opposite side to it, such as a playground at night or Livingroom when you’re home alone. Bravo has revealed a world that some men have never seen.   

Manuel Alvarez Bravo 

Umbral (Threshold)

1947

Mexico