Untitled (woman in sailor's outfit seated on bench outdoors holding two cats) c. 1940

Paul Gittings created this untitled photograph, showing a woman in a sailor's outfit seated on a bench outdoors holding two cats. There is a fascinating tension in this image, it both reflects and challenges gendered expectations of the time. The woman's sailor outfit, a symbol of adventure and traditionally male domain, contrasts with the gentle, domestic scene of her holding cats. What does it mean for a woman to occupy this space, blurring the lines between masculine and feminine roles? The lack of explicit details about the woman invites contemplation about identity and representation. Gittings invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity and the ways in which individuals can embody diverse and seemingly contradictory aspects. The image's personal dimension encourages a dialogue about our own perceptions and experiences with identity.