Untitled (little girl looking at her stomach) c. 1953

Curator: This photograph, an untitled work by Lucian and Mary Brown, captures a little girl looking intently at her stomach. It's small, just about 5x4 inches. Editor: It’s almost dreamlike. The inverted tones give the scene a sense of detachment, as if we're looking at a memory, or perhaps a moment of introspection. Curator: Absolutely. The photograph evokes a sense of curiosity and innocence. I feel that childhood is a time of wonder, and this image encapsulates that. The little girl seems lost in thought as she examines herself. Editor: I agree. There's something inherently political about the gaze, especially a child’s gaze directed at their own body. It raises questions about self-perception, societal expectations, and the ways we learn to understand our physical selves within the context of gender, race, and class. Curator: The image invites us to reflect on our own bodies and the stories they hold. What do we see when we look at ourselves? Editor: It's a poignant reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the human experience. A powerful statement about identity, from within.