Jones Beach c. 1978

Curator: Eric Baden's photograph, "Jones Beach", captures a moment of carefree exuberance. I find the high contrast intensifies the feeling of a sweltering summer day. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the pure, reckless joy. It makes me want to cartwheel! Curator: Absolutely, and in terms of a deeper reading, the boardwalk functions as a stage, showcasing a spectrum of bodies navigating public space. Editor: Yes, the boardwalk becomes a space of social performance. There is a powerful sense of capturing a specific moment in time. Curator: The image really speaks to the construction of leisure and identity. Editor: It's a beautiful, fleeting snapshot that gets me thinking about memory. Curator: The work encapsulates the diverse experiences on Jones Beach. Editor: I'm still imagining the sun on that boardwalk and the freedom of being upside down.