Untitled (large group of people in hats, Investor Security Company meeting) 1961

Editor: This photograph, "Untitled (large group of people in hats, Investor Security Company meeting)" by John Howell, captures a sea of people in hats. It feels staged, almost theatrical. What do you make of it? Curator: It's like a quirky dream, isn't it? All those hats, a uniform of… something. Perhaps of belonging. The hats create a visual rhythm, but what are they investing in, besides perhaps the theater of capitalism? The photo asks, is it security, or just a performance? Editor: That's a great question! Thanks. Curator: My pleasure.