High Noon Possibly 1989 - 1994

Editor: Jim Goldberg’s black and white photograph, “High Noon,” possibly from the late 80s or early 90s, really strikes me with its blurred figures. There's this immediate sense of anonymity and almost unease. What do you see in this piece? Curator: That feeling of unease is definitely present. I see it as a commentary on public space, and who gets to occupy it safely. Goldberg often explores the margins of society. How might this image, with its obscured faces, be a reflection on the visibility – or invisibility – of certain communities? Editor: So, are you suggesting the blurriness isn't just aesthetic, but potentially about representing marginalized people? Curator: Precisely. Consider the title, "High Noon"—an allusion to the classic Western, typically valorizing a lone hero facing adversity. But here, who are these figures? Are they the heroes, the villains, or just… people passing by? The anonymity invites us to consider our own biases. Who are we quick to judge, and who do we overlook? Editor: That makes me rethink the composition. The high contrast and blur now seem less like a stylistic choice and more like a way of obscuring identities, making a statement. Curator: Exactly! How might their race or class inform your interpretation? Goldberg is constantly pushing us to question our assumptions and see the world through a more critical lens. This photo encapsulates the feelings that arose during the 80's that some social groups became villainized by society. Editor: I see what you mean! The initial feeling of unease is actually an invitation to consider the historical context, race and class— all sorts of intersections of identity within a public sphere. Curator: Yes, exactly. It’s a powerful example of how art can be a catalyst for social awareness. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. It definitely changes my initial interpretation of “High Noon.” Thanks!