Untitled (man at desk smoking cigar and looking through files) 1957

Curator: This untitled image, by Jack Gould, shows a man at his desk, smoking and reviewing files, appearing to be about 2 1/4 by 2 1/4 inches. Editor: Initially, the negative tones give a sense of mystery, a bureaucratic ghost caught in his office. It reminds me of film noir. Curator: The high contrast emphasizes the textures and forms, drawing attention to the geometry of the desk and the man's sharp suit. The composition seems carefully staged. Editor: Or perhaps simply observed, the mundanity amplified by the high-key lighting. It’s like a still from a play, full of unspoken tension. Curator: It is interesting to reflect on the way the negative image reveals information that is typically hidden. Editor: Absolutely, I'm left wondering about his story, his burden. A portrait of mid-century ennui, perhaps.