Levittown, L. I. c. 1978

Editor: This is Eric Baden’s photograph, "Levittown, L. I.," taken with gelatin silver. It feels very still, like a forgotten place. What statements do you think it makes about suburbia? Curator: This image captures the planned suburban community of Levittown. Think about the social engineering embedded in such developments. Who was it for, and who was excluded? Consider the racial and economic implications of this "American Dream." Editor: So, you're saying it's not just a picture of houses; it's about inequality? Curator: Precisely. The seeming monotony and order of Levittown reflect a desire for conformity and control. What are your thoughts on the role of photography in either challenging or reinforcing these narratives? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. It makes me question what the artist was trying to highlight. Curator: Exactly! It's about uncovering these hidden power dynamics within seemingly ordinary scenes.