Untitled (Albany, Calif.) 1983

Editor: This is Bill Dane's black and white photograph, Untitled (Albany, Calif.). I'm struck by the materiality of the wood and the keys, and how the angle emphasizes its size. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Notice how the light falls on the piano’s surface, highlighting its construction and the wear of use. Consider the social context: a community space, hinted at by the music poster in the background. Editor: That's interesting. So, you're focusing on how the piano is made and used, rather than its artistic value. Curator: Precisely. The photograph itself becomes a document of labor and cultural production. The means of making music are as important as the music itself. Editor: I never thought of it that way before. It really changes how I see the photo. Curator: Indeed. It's about valuing the process, not just the product.