Edith, Danville, Virginia c. 1963 - 1989

Curator: This gelatin-silver print, simply titled "Edith, Danville, Virginia," was created by Emmet Gowin sometime between 1963 and 1989. The photograph encapsulates a quiet moment. Editor: My first impression is of a pensive mood. The delicate shadows playing across her face evoke a feeling of both vulnerability and strength. It’s beautifully composed. Curator: Absolutely. Those shadows cast by what seems to be a branch, become almost symbolic. Is it a mask, a filter? How do you interpret them? Editor: They remind me of Daphne's transformation in Ovid. There's a sense of being intertwined with the natural world, almost becoming part of it. Gowin often photographed his family; this photo really speaks to the idea of woman as muse. The work fits within the wider social shifts and increasingly visibility of women in the late 20th century. Curator: Interesting parallel. The organic quality created with branches might echo the transformative quality that love, life, nature all pose to our being. It’s more than just a physical representation. Editor: Exactly. And consider the societal role of women within a familial setting in the mid to late 20th century. Often seen as secondary figures to their husband, brother or fathers. Placing Edith against a natural environment that gives her this intertwined, organic form seems intentional, powerful. It defies that previous marginalization. Curator: That reading makes so much sense. Her gaze isn’t directed at us either, but seemingly inward. The picture moves beyond surface, instead opening up introspective considerations about identity and natural presence. Editor: This quietness allows the viewer to project and connect. We find resonance across different timelines or societies and appreciate shared notions of intimacy, strength and feminine personhood. Curator: Yes, it makes you appreciate the depth and sensitivity contained within a simple black and white image. It's an ode to observation and patience. Editor: It highlights how powerful photographs of personal relationships are. And how powerfully those intimate family spaces mirror historical shifts and changing societal tides.