In Eveningside (2021-2022), Crewdson explores moments of contemplation within the confines of quotidien life, in places of employment, and in moments just outside of those work structures. The figures populating the pictures are sparse, and are often seen through storefront windows, in mirror reflections, or positioned underneath the mundane proscenium found in the midst of their everyday routines: railroad bridges, doorways, porches, the overhanging roofline of a bank teller drive-thru, a dairy bar, a corner market, or a hardware store. Bringing his vantage point closer to the figures, using a heightened range of light and darkness, special effects such as fog, rain, smoke, and haze, and for the first time using his now ubiquitous full production and lighting team in a monochromatic palette, the result is a rich gothic atmosphere, evocative of film noir and classic cinema, but with the capabilities and clarity of the most current technology available in digital photography.
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MADELINE'S BEAUTY SALON
EXT. EVENINGSIDE - MADELINE'S BEAUTY SALON - TWILIGHT
We are standing outside a storefront, late in the day. We can just see part of the sidewalk out front, and a touch of the brick building above. Our main focus is the large window of a hair salon, and the stoop just beside it.
The building is very weathered, with once beautiful architectural details. Wood paneling surrounds the doorways and windows. There is faded lettering on the top of the window that says MADELINE'S BEAUTY SALON.
Through the window, we can see a YOUNG WOMAN seated in the chair having her hair cut. A WOMAN having an air of sophistication and formality about her, something classic and timeless in her appearance, whom we might assume is the namesake Madeline, is standing behind her. They are both reflected back in the mirror, but Madeline seems lost in thought as she sees something of herself in the younger woman's face.