Untitled (people in costume at Beaux Arts Ball, chicken and tiki-god) c. 1950

Editor: Here we have an untitled photograph by Jack Gould, showing people dressed in a chicken and a tiki-god costume at the Beaux Arts Ball. It's quite striking, with its unsettling juxtaposition. What do you make of this photograph? Curator: This image offers a glimpse into the complexities of cultural appropriation. The "tiki-god" costume, especially, raises questions about the exoticization and misrepresentation of indigenous cultures for entertainment. How do you feel about the way these identities are being performed? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. It makes me wonder about the power dynamics at play during this event. Curator: Exactly! And the chicken costume, too, can be seen as a form of caricature, potentially reflecting societal views on race or class. We must consider the broader context of the Beaux Arts Ball and its participants. Editor: This has definitely broadened my perspective. Thanks! Curator: Mine too! There's always more to unpack when considering the social and historical weight of images like this.