Untitled (Lena Horne singing, wearing evening gown) c. 1950

Editor: This small, untitled silver gelatin print by Jack Gould depicts Lena Horne in an evening gown. It feels a bit surreal, almost like a dream. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It is a powerful image of Horne, an icon who challenged racial barriers. Think about the historical context; she was fighting for representation in a segregated society. Her very presence was a political act. How does that lens change your interpretation? Editor: It definitely adds a new layer. I was just focusing on the aesthetic, but her being there, being seen, was resistance. Curator: Exactly. Gould captures her strength, even in this seemingly simple portrait. Consider how the gaze, the costume, and the shadows all contribute to a narrative of resilience. Editor: I see it now. Thank you, this was so insightful. Curator: My pleasure. It's a reminder that art is never created in a vacuum.