Untitled (large crowd watching floats in Mardi Gras parade) c. 1970

Curator: This gelatin silver print, "Untitled (large crowd watching floats in Mardi Gras parade)" by C. Bennette Moore, captures a bustling scene. The artwork is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Wow, it's chaotic! The eye darts around trying to find a place to rest in this sea of faces. But there is something festive about it too. Curator: The lack of a specific date invites speculation. How does this historical representation of Mardi Gras interact with contemporary understandings of race, class, and public space in New Orleans? Editor: For me, it's the sense of shared experience. You can almost feel the energy of the crowd, the anticipation, and, dare I say, a little bit of mischief. Curator: I agree, and it reminds us of the power dynamics inherent in such public displays, and how social order is both performed and challenged. Editor: Looking at this, I am thinking about how much of our lives we spend in crowds, and how we seek each other out, even within them. Curator: Yes, it is a powerful image—a historical document, but also a study in social dynamics. Editor: It’s a tiny window into another time, full of people craving connection and celebration.