Protesters calling for a boycott of the elections, central Kinshasa, July 2006 2006

Curator: This photograph, by Guy Tillim, captures protesters in central Kinshasa in July 2006, calling for a boycott of the elections. Editor: My initial reaction is that it looks like the weight of a moment, suspended just before or after some explosion of action and frustration. Curator: Tillim’s choice of black and white emphasizes the stark reality of the scene. Look at the tire fire; it's a potent symbol. I wonder about its material origins, though. Editor: Exactly! Where did the tire come from? What brand is it? Was it bought specifically for this protest, or did it come from somewhere else entirely? Each possible history tells a different story. Curator: I find myself drawn to the faces in the crowd, or what little we can see of them. The mood is so heavy. Editor: Heavy, yes, but also filled with intent. The burning tire as a repurposed object, its material transformation echoing the social transformation the protestors are demanding. Curator: A single image sparking so many questions. It’s a testament to Tillim's ability to freeze a complex moment in time. Editor: Indeed, a striking reminder of the power of material culture in moments of social upheaval and change.