Untitled (baby gorilla climbing on cabinets) c. 1950

Editor: This photograph by Jack Gould, simply titled "Untitled (baby gorilla climbing on cabinets)," really strikes me with its juxtaposition of the domestic and the wild. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: This image, though seemingly straightforward, likely reflects a broader cultural fascination, and perhaps exploitation, of exotic animals. Consider how images like this might have circulated, shaping public perception of wildlife and their place in society. Where do you think it may have been published? Editor: Perhaps in a magazine…National Geographic? What's striking is how the everydayness of the kitchen is disrupted by the gorilla. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to consider the politics of imagery – how photographs can normalize certain power dynamics and reinforce existing social structures. Editor: I see your point. It’s more complex than just a cute animal picture. Curator: Precisely. Examining the visual culture surrounding animals can reveal much about our own values and societal norms.