Markéta Luskačová came to the West in the early 1970’s from Czechoslovakia. Leaving her communist controlled homeland she took little but her finely honed eye influenced by photographers such as her beloved Josef Sudek and a profound ability to see humanity, dignity and warmth where others see only poverty, homelessness and depression. While the world of the street musicians she photographed years ago no longer exists, in her black and white images one can sense a range of emotions from despair to joy and even to ecstasy as the music floats through the working class streets of the city. How else can one describe the emotive quality in Man Singing in Brick Lane where with arms outstretched, shirt collar unbuttoned and tie askew, head raised toward the sky the joy of singing manifests itself? In many of the photographs the musicians seem lost in themselves; the music has overtaken them and no matter how troubled their lives may be, the joy of being alive and making music comes through. In others there is a direct and penetrating eye contact between subject and photographer revealing a tender humanity captured in a fleeting moment. In some there is playfulness where children ”mug" for the camera while the musician takes little notice. In all there is a masterful sense of composition combined with a beautiful use of light, resulting in strong, yet often stark images. Today, the streets, the people and the culture have been transformed. While Luskacové's old street musicians are long gone, her images keep the tradition alive. In these beautiful photographs the music of the street musicians can still be heard. Howard Bossen |
Publications > 11 To Remember 2016 >