African Design – Monrovia, Liberia

In an unidentified building in Liberia, a man climbing the stairs with a basket atop his head turns to look back at the viewer. His pose is both statuesque and candid—photographer Moneta Sleet Jr. catches him at the perfect moment. The bare staircase and geometric shapes on the walls further direct attention to the center of the composition. The light reflected off the back wall nearly creates a silhouette and emphasizes the form of the man’s body as the striking focal point.