Roosevelt Poster, 104th Street, New York 1946

Curator: So, here we have Todd Webb's "Roosevelt Poster, 104th Street, New York," a gelatin-silver print from 1946. Editor: It's striking how Webb captures this poster of Roosevelt, especially the array of hands surrounding his face. The monochrome palette adds a certain gravitas. What do you see in this piece, particularly in relation to its time? Curator: It's powerful, isn’t it? Post-World War II, a sense of collective rebuilding was in the air, but also a confrontation with unresolved social issues. Consider Roosevelt's "New Deal" legacy and how that intersected with persistent inequalities. What do you make of the framing of the poster within the grimy storefront window? Editor: I see a contrast. Roosevelt represents hope and progress, while the decaying frame suggests a society struggling to live up to those ideals. Does the "FRIEND" slogan speak to the concept of international allies at that time? Curator: Precisely. And think about how that slogan might resonate differently depending on one's social position. For marginalized communities, was Roosevelt truly a 'friend' in addressing systemic discrimination? Editor: That brings a sharper edge to the photograph. It’s not just a memorial; it's a question. Curator: Yes, a crucial question of who gets to claim "friendship" and belonging in a society still grappling with its own injustices. Webb compels us to examine that dichotomy. Editor: It's made me rethink my initial assumptions. Curator: Excellent. Art should ignite that critical interrogation. This photograph invites a necessary dialogue.