Susan Roper, 63, retired, and her husband Rick Roper, 61, an emergency room nurse, tend to their vegetable garden behind their home in Mapleton, Utah, on November 11, 2017. 2017

Curator: Ashley Gilbertson’s photograph captures Susan and Rick Roper tending their garden in Mapleton, Utah, in 2017. Editor: It's a striking image, starkly black and white, and the circular forms they're handling really draw the eye. There's a quiet dignity to it. Curator: Gilbertson’s choice to photograph the Ropers amidst their labor offers commentary on the everyday lives of ordinary Americans. Look closely at how the garden reflects both sustenance and a kind of quiet resilience. Editor: The contrast between the figures and the mountain backdrop really emphasizes their connection to this land. The textures of their clothing against the metal and plant life also add to the overall composition. Curator: I agree. The photograph is more than just a portrait; it's a statement about the value of labor, family, and community, subtly challenging notions of consumption. Editor: It really makes you think about the cycles of growth and decay inherent in nature, and how that mirrors human experience, too. Curator: Indeed, a powerful observation through a seemingly simple scene. Editor: It's a rewarding photo, something new to appreciate each time you look at it.