Untitled (Santa Claus talking to little boy) 1944

Editor: This photograph, by John Deusing, shows Santa Claus talking to a little boy. I find the use of light quite interesting. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Well, considering Deusing's probable access to photographic materials and studio space, it seems he was less interested in capturing a spontaneous moment and more in constructing an image that speaks to the commercialization of Christmas. Editor: Commercialization? Curator: Yes, consider Santa's manufactured appearance and the boy's ready consumption of what is likely a mass-produced toy. It prompts us to think about the labor behind these objects, doesn't it? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered; thank you! Curator: Of course! Examining the materiality of art opens up many avenues for interpretation.