Shaving Cream Boys and Skull, 1978 Theme: Halloween in the 1970s

This photograph, especially with the black and white tint, exudes a powerful theme of childhood nostalgia. It represents what many of us once had that we are all too familiar with, freedom. At a glance, I saw my old neighbor I grew up with from down the block, I saw my best friend from fourth grade, and a much more blissful version of myself. His paint-smeared, carved up shirt is amusing and very similar to present-day last-minute Halloween costumes.  With his care-free stance and paint-coated skin, the photographer managed to capture adolescent playfulness and bliss in it’s purest form. The messiness of it all can reflect the charm that comes with nonconformity. And it is indeed a solid representation of the inevitable mess life brings. I am grateful I saw it.