Untitled (two birds cockfighting) 1951

Curator: This intriguing photograph by Jack Gould, currently titled "Untitled (two birds cockfighting)," presents a brutal spectacle in miniature, measuring only about 6 x 6 cm. Editor: My first impression is violence—the flurry of feathers and the sharp shadows create a sense of immediate aggression. The stark brick background seems to intensify the drama. Curator: Indeed. Gould's choice of subject is provocative, referencing the controversial history of cockfighting and its implications for human attitudes toward animal cruelty, often tied to socioeconomic factors. Editor: The small size is interesting. It’s a snapshot, almost a clandestine view of something potentially illicit. I wonder about the conditions under which it was made. The process must have been quite involved. Curator: It is a complex, layered commentary. The voyeuristic perspective implicates the viewer, raising questions about our fascination with violence, whether in the natural world or staged for entertainment. Editor: It's a stark reminder of how deeply embedded conflict and exploitation are in our relationship with the natural world. The image feels both historical and disturbingly contemporary.