Donathan Jones, 15, bucks his horse, Quinn, on a vacant lot in Colfax, Louisiana on May 8, 2017. 2017

Curator: Ashley Gilbertson's photograph captures Donathan Jones on horseback in Colfax, Louisiana, dating back to May 8, 2017, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: The stark black and white lends a timeless quality; it feels both contemporary and like a scene from a much earlier era, highlighting the juxtaposition of man and nature. Curator: This image is more than just a portrait; it speaks to the social dynamics of rural life, reflecting a community and its relationship to its environment. Gilbertson’s lens captures how this landscape has shaped lives. Editor: Agreed, and the composition itself is compelling. The balance of light and shadow draws the eye directly to the boy and horse, emphasizing their form and energy. Curator: The choice of black and white strengthens the symbolic weight. It's a study in contrasts – between the raw power of the animal and the boy’s control. Editor: Quite right. It's a powerful composition, and it leaves us contemplating the narratives embedded within such images.