Untitled (model window, closed) c. 1950

This untitled photograph of a closed model window was made by Robert Burian. It invites us to think about how an everyday object might reveal larger social dynamics. Windows often serve as thresholds. But here, the closed blinds block our view, presenting a barrier rather than a passage. What does it mean to be shut off, to be unable to look outside or to be seen? How does this relate to ideas of privacy, exclusion, or even surveillance? Consider how this image contrasts with traditional window imagery. It doesn't offer a picturesque view. Instead, it seems to evoke a sense of restriction. The photograph captures a moment of stillness, prompting us to think about what lies beyond our immediate sight. Ultimately, this work encourages us to reflect on the boundaries we encounter and construct, both physically and metaphorically. It asks us to think about what we choose to reveal and what we keep hidden, and how these choices shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.