Untitled (elderly woman with little girl) c. 1950

Editor: Here we have John Howell's "Untitled (elderly woman with little girl)". It's a small photograph, measuring about 4 by 5 inches. The high contrast is striking. What stands out to you in this image? Curator: It's compelling to consider the photographic process itself. The material reality is that this is a reversed image, a negative. This forces us to contemplate not just the subjects, but the mechanics of representation and how they shape our understanding of relationships. Editor: So, you are drawn to the production? Curator: Exactly. This photo demands we think about the labor involved in image creation and how the material impacts our interpretation. Editor: I hadn't considered that. Thanks!