Bart Parker 1975

Editor: This is Mike Mandel's "Bart Parker," a photograph from 1975. The image is... unusual. Parker's pose feels staged, yet awkward, almost like a caricature of a baseball player. The monochrome palette lends it a sort of detached coolness. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: You're right, there's a beautiful kind of controlled chaos in this work. It's funny how staged the photo seems. This comes from a series called "People in the baseball cards," right? The genius is that Mandel took this incredibly mundane format – baseball cards – and transformed it into this amazing little pocket portrait of America itself. I feel that it suggests some ideas about identity. Editor: Baseball cards as a commentary on American identity? I hadn't considered that! Is it that idea of collecting and categorizing people, almost like specimens? Curator: Exactly! And consider the poses – often goofy, unnatural. Mandel exposes the performative aspect of identity, the way we present ourselves to the world. There's something deeply human, even vulnerable, in their imperfection. Almost like he's winking, telling us it's okay to be a little strange. What do you feel is this photograph saying about America itself? Editor: Well, maybe it suggests that there's an endearing strangeness in everyday America? Curator: I would go along with that sentiment! Each person adds color to the American story and adds to this nation's depth, you know? Editor: I didn’t think a baseball card image could be so complex! Now, I find this so insightful. Thank you for enlightening my view. Curator: You got it, now the only challenge that remains is who is willing to trade a baseball card about America and art with you.