Untitled (children playing on fairy-tale creature with trees in background) c. 1950

Editor: This is an untitled photograph by Jack Gould, showing children playing on some kind of fairy-tale creature. It’s small, only a couple of inches square, and the negative makes it feel ghostly. What’s your take? Curator: It's fascinating how Gould captures childhood and fantasy through this inverted lens. The image speaks to the power dynamics inherent in fairy tales, where children often encounter mythical beasts. How does the lack of color and the negative space contribute to its meaning, in your opinion? Editor: It gives it a sense of timelessness, like a forgotten dream. Curator: Exactly! This evokes a historical unease surrounding childhood innocence and the unknown, prompting us to consider the darker narratives often concealed within children's stories and how they reflect societal anxieties. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way, but I see that now. Curator: Considering the social contexts of children's literature truly transforms how we engage with this piece!