Denise Howard, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 27 - 2000

Editor: Here we have Deborah Luster's "Denise Howard, St. Gabriel, Louisiana," a gelatin silver print from 2000. The subject's expression is so direct, almost confrontational. The white powder covering her skin and clothing gives the image an unsettling, ghostly quality. What statements about identity do you see in this piece? Curator: That "ghostly quality," as you put it, is incredibly compelling. I see it as a commentary on the historical erasure of Black women, particularly those connected to places like St. Gabriel, Louisiana, which carries the weight of slavery and its legacies. The powder reminds me of ritualistic practices, perhaps a reclamation or re-imagining of identity. Editor: I hadn't considered the ritualistic angle. Do you think the powder acts as a mask, or perhaps as a form of defiance? Curator: I believe it functions on multiple levels. On one hand, the powder can symbolize vulnerability, stripping away social constructs. On the other hand, it's an act of reclaiming space and demanding visibility. Think about how photography itself has historically been used to categorize and control marginalized communities. Luster is subverting that power dynamic. What do you make of her gaze? Editor: It's definitely intense. It feels like she's challenging the viewer, daring us to truly see her and the history she embodies, not just a stereotypical image. Curator: Precisely. The portrait's strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers. Luster forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about race, representation, and the lingering effects of historical trauma. Consider also how the use of gelatin silver print lends it this haunting almost antique quality further cementing its position in both the past and the present. Editor: This really changes how I see the piece! It's no longer just a portrait but a powerful statement about reclaiming identity. Curator: Exactly. And hopefully, that’s sparked a deeper reflection on how art can challenge dominant narratives and offer nuanced perspectives on identity.