Untitled (child wearing mask) c. 1950

Curator: This small black and white photograph, "Untitled (child wearing mask)" by Lucian and Mary Brown, shows a child posing with a mask. It almost feels haunting to me. Editor: Yes, I agree, there's a strong feeling of unease. Masks often serve as a method to examine identity, performance, and anonymity. This child’s mask transforms them, challenging societal expectations. Curator: Right, the mask as a symbolic object is fascinating. The child’s gesture also reminds me of classic portraiture, even though it is subverted by the mask. The surrounding environment also feels ambiguous. Editor: The photograph also brings up questions about representation, particularly how children are portrayed. The mask could be interpreted as a means of hiding or protection, particularly in a world that often overlooks children's vulnerabilities. Curator: I hadn't thought of it that way. It's interesting how the photograph captures a liminal space between innocence and a kind of…knowing. Editor: Yes, precisely. It leaves us questioning the power dynamics inherent in childhood and how masks can both conceal and reveal truths about identity.