Untitled (little girl trying on hat in front of mirror) c. 1950

Curator: This photograph, "Untitled (little girl trying on hat in front of mirror)" by Lucian and Mary Brown, presents a scene of childhood play. Editor: It feels almost dreamlike, doesn’t it? That stark contrast and the slightly blurred mirror image give it an ethereal quality. Curator: The hat becomes a potent symbol here. It speaks to aspirations, a young girl experimenting with identity and the performance of gender. Editor: Yes, hats often signify status or a specific role, but consider the mirror itself. A symbol of self-reflection. Is she looking at who she is or imagining who she might become? Curator: Exactly! The fallen cup on the floor suggests a disruption to the order of things. Her individuality is making a mark on the domestic space. Editor: I'm struck by how the Browns captured a moment so resonant with both innocence and nascent self-awareness through a simple, mirrored image. Curator: Indeed, it's a subtle yet impactful work that invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity formation.