Amityville 1979

Editor: This is Eric Baden's "Amityville," a black and white photograph at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels almost timeless, but there is a sense of unease in the composition. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The title suggests a connection to the infamous house and the labor that goes into the making of "place." Consider the chemicals involved in developing the photograph, the paper it's printed on, and even the darkroom itself as part of the artwork's construction. Editor: So, you're saying the physical process is key to understanding the work? Curator: Absolutely. The artist isn't just capturing a scene, they're manipulating materials and engaging with a history of photographic labor to create meaning. Perhaps that is where the sense of unease is coming from. Editor: I never thought about photography in terms of labor before. Curator: Exactly, and it changes how we value the final product.