Untitled (Furman Owens, 12-year-old mill worker, Augusta, Georgia) Possibly 1909 - 1929

Curator: Lewis Hine captured this image, titled "Untitled (Furman Owens, 12-year-old mill worker, Augusta, Georgia)." Editor: He looks so defiant, doesn't he? His stance is so rigid, almost performative. Curator: Hine, born in 1874, was quite skilled at utilizing light and shadow to create a strong focal point. The boy is centered and well-lit, directing the viewer’s attention. Editor: Absolutely. The image speaks volumes about labor practices and the exploitation of children during that era. His clothes, his posture – it's all part of the narrative of working-class children. Curator: The photograph relies on stark realism, with the subject presented frontally, allowing an unvarnished glimpse into his reality. Editor: It encourages a dialogue about social justice and the need to protect vulnerable populations. Curator: A poignant, well-composed study in monochrome. Editor: A crucial document, then and now.