Untitled (ordination class, Holy Name College) c. 1950

Curator: This photograph by Harris & Ewing, currently titled "Untitled (ordination class, Holy Name College)," captures a moment frozen in time. Editor: My first impression is how the negative space transforms the figures into almost spectral forms; they seem to hover between worlds. Curator: Indeed, the stark contrast enhances the visual impact of the white robes, reminiscent of purity and spiritual ascension, a very established visual vocabulary. Editor: But who has access to such symbolism? Consider the historical context—ordination was, and often remains, an exclusive rite, barring many based on gender and other identities. Curator: The architecture framing the men also speaks volumes. The church entrance is a literal gateway to the divine, reinforcing the exclusive nature of religious authority. Editor: Exactly, the image isn't merely a neutral record; it's a document of power dynamics, a stark reminder of who is deemed worthy and who is excluded. Curator: A powerful testament to how visual cues within such an image have held collective meaning for decades. Editor: And one that demands we look critically at these enduring structures and what they truly represent.