Decameron Disco Beach Party, Lido Beach 1979

Curator: Elaine Mayes' photograph, "Decameron Disco Beach Party, Lido Beach," captures a seemingly candid moment of revelry. The composition is wonderfully dynamic. Editor: It certainly reflects the cultural landscape of its time. I'm drawn to how Mayes documented the labor and leisure around beach culture. Curator: The light and shadow play sculpts the figures, really emphasizing form. Editor: And note the juxtaposition of the everyday with the extraordinary. The presence of the KISS performer is quite intriguing. What does that say about the economics of entertainment? Curator: An unusual contrast indeed. The textures, too, from skin to fabric, create a rich sensory experience. Editor: Mayes’ photographic work offers a window into the performance of identity and the spaces where these identities were consumed. Curator: It's a striking study in visual form. Editor: Indeed, it's a reminder that photography isn't just about seeing, but also about understanding the social forces at play.