Untitled (Lena Horne singing, wearing evening gown) c. 1950

Editor: This gelatin silver print by Jack Gould, "Untitled (Lena Horne singing, wearing evening gown)," captures Horne in such a powerful pose. The negative format gives it an otherworldly feel. What can you tell me about the context of images like this? Curator: Well, photographic portraits of performers like Lena Horne circulated widely. Consider how controlled these images were; they reinforced, or even constructed, her public persona, influencing perceptions of Black entertainers and their place in society. Editor: So it's not just a pretty picture, it's a statement. Curator: Precisely. It is a strategic intervention in the visual landscape. It reflects the complex negotiations of race, celebrity, and representation in the mid-20th century. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Thinking about art's public role opens up a world of questions.