Untitled (two children in cowboy outfits acting out a shooting) c. 1940

Curator: Here we have an untitled image by John Deusing, depicting two children in cowboy attire enacting a shooting scene. Editor: The starkness of the medium heightens the impact—there's a strange innocence mixed with a concerning fascination with violence. Curator: Consider the context of its creation, though. This likely captures the pervasive influence of the "Wild West" narratives on children's play, reflecting societal attitudes about masculinity and conflict resolution. Editor: And we have to think about the material conditions; the clothes are clearly handmade, the backdrop is a simple sheet. This wasn't about high art, but daily life. Curator: Absolutely. The photograph also opens up discussions about the children's understanding of power dynamics, gender roles, and the romanticized, often brutal, history of the American West. Editor: I'm struck by the tactile quality; the focus on textile, on the making of these costumes, speaks volumes about the cultural consumption and performance of identity. Curator: It's a powerful image, prompting reflection on how early exposure to these narratives can shape perceptions of violence and identity. Editor: Yes, it’s a reminder that even simple images document the complex interplay of labor, material, and cultural ideals.