Untitled (boy wearing costume) c. 1950

Editor: This is an untitled photograph by Lucian and Mary Brown, depicting a boy in costume. The negative image gives it an eerie, almost ghostly quality. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: The photographic negative complicates how we perceive this image. We must consider the historical context of photographic portraiture of children, particularly children of color. Are we seeing an attempt at documentation, or is there a performative aspect to the costuming? Editor: Performative, how so? Curator: The child's attire and pose are intentionally staged. We must examine the image's role in constructing and potentially reinforcing certain social narratives or stereotypes. How might contemporary audiences interpret this versus its original intended audience? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered. I’ll definitely look at this differently now.