The Beauty of Uniqueness: "Every life is one of a kind, never to be repeated.".

• Position: Focus

AUTHENTICITY, honesty, and trust characterize Donald Graham's portraits. They are not simply photographic recordings. Looking at them is like seeing human beings in the flesh, revealed to us by Graham with his virtuoso technique and sensibilities. His exquisite, strongly contrasting black-and-white photographs are evidence of attitude, rather than studied gestures. Eyes and faces are not modellike masks; instead, they express the unique nature of those portrayed. Inevitably, viewers find themselves in a dialogue with the images. You wonder about the stories behind these faces; though unfamiliar, they nevertheless are an emotional experience.

Donald Graham: One of a Kind--published by Hatje Cantz--the first comprehensive monograph by Graham, brings together more than 100 of his portraits spanning a wide cultural and social spectrum. Made in India, Tibet, Jamaica, Mali, Europe, and throughout the U.S., there is a unique story in every face, punctuated by combinations of strength and vulnerability. These printed photographs seem almost tangible, fully revealing Graham's outstanding oeuvre.

Graham writes: "These portraits come from a desire to honor the beauty of uniqueness, character, and imperfection while remaining sensitive to the pain of the human experience. Every life is one of a kind, never to be repeated. These are tough stories told with grace."

One of a Kind began more than 30 years ago when Graham decided to make a portrait of his mother. She had multiple sclerosis, compounded by a severe stroke. Her body was ravaged, and she could barely speak, yet she lived with a gracefulness, an inner peace, and a smile that inspired her son. He took a photograph of her that "revealed who I knew her to be and honored the complexity of her situation. Her portrait began this series of photographs. It became the standard by which I judged all subsequent photographs I made."

In his illuminating essay, noted curator, writer, and educator Colin Westerbeck writes eloquently on Graham's portrait of his mother, as well as other subjects, including the largest single community from which subjects for One of a Kind were drawn: Taos, N.M. "In part the attraction of Taos was its history as a haven for artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Paul Strand in the pre-war era.... More importantly for Graham...