Untitled (man working in foundry) c. 1946

Curator: This is an untitled photograph by Jack Gould, showing a man working in a foundry. Editor: The high contrast immediately gives it a stark, almost dreamlike quality despite its industrial subject matter. It looks physically demanding. Curator: Indeed. Its depiction of labor offers a glimpse into the socio-economic realities of the time. The foundry represents industry, production, and the working class. Editor: I wonder about the absence of women in this picture, and the broader implications of gendered labor roles within these industrial settings. Curator: Absolutely. Gould’s photograph provides a valuable record of labor practices and raises questions about the social dynamics within this industrial context. Editor: It leaves me thinking about who benefits from this labor, and at what cost. Curator: A powerful question to consider when viewing this image.