New York Possibly 1953 - 1954

Editor: Charles Pratt's gelatin-silver print, "New York," possibly from the 1950s, depicts a gritty cityscape. The contrast between the children climbing what looks like a barren hill and the buildings in the background is quite stark. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This image speaks volumes about urban space and the Black experience. Considering Pratt's involvement with the Black Arts Movement, I see this not just as a landscape, but a socio-political commentary. Look at how the children navigate this challenging terrain; does it evoke themes of resilience, perhaps reflecting the community's struggle for visibility and agency in a rapidly changing city? Editor: I see what you mean. The “hill” almost becomes a metaphor. But, isn’t it a bit of a stretch? It could simply be children playing. Curator: Perhaps, but context is key. The Black Arts Movement used art as a tool for social change. Considering that, what does it mean to depict Black children interacting with a space marked by…absence, lack? Think about urban renewal policies, often disproportionately affecting Black communities. Does the photo become charged with deeper meanings? Editor: It does make you think. It's more than just a snapshot; it's about the relationship between people and place, power, and possibility. It's like the artist is using the lens to question these urban development projects and how they shape the community. Curator: Exactly. This gelatin silver print, rooted in realism, becomes a mirror reflecting not only a place, but also the socio-political climate that shaped it and its inhabitants. Editor: Thanks for shedding some light on the broader implications of Pratt's photography; I’ll definitely explore more of his work.