The Apparition (No. 2) (Woodlawn Plantation) c. 1946

Curator: Laughlin’s photograph, "The Apparition (No. 2) (Woodlawn Plantation)," really gives me the chills. Editor: Yes, it's immediately ghostly, isn't it? The way the plantation seems to float, layered over the landscape. The very act of layering underscores the weight of history bearing down upon the present. Curator: It’s more than just the superimposition. Think of the Greek revival architecture, those stately columns, juxtaposed with the obvious decay. The house becomes a symbol, almost an allegory of faded grandeur and the haunting presence of the past. Editor: The degradation of the building, the visible wear and tear on the columns—it speaks to the labor, and the exploitation of resources that built places like Woodlawn Plantation in the first place. The crumbling facade reflects the actual cost. Curator: Precisely. Laughlin uses these visual cues to evoke a deeper, almost psychic connection to the site. The plantation isn't just a building; it's a vessel holding memories, traumas, and cultural narratives. Editor: I see it as a statement through the materials and their deterioration—it really drives home the message. Curator: Ultimately, this image is more than just a photograph. It's a potent symbol. Editor: A potent symbol, indeed. Thanks to the materials, labor, and choices made in that era.