Chemistry Building, Brookhaven National Lab 1978

Editor: This photograph by Per Brandin, simply titled "Chemistry Building, Brookhaven National Lab," presents a seemingly chaotic arrangement of scientific equipment. The stark black and white tones make it feel almost like a historical document. What do you see in this image? Curator: I see a deliberate commentary on the nature of scientific progress during the Cold War. The complex network of glass tubes and wires suggests both immense potential and a certain inscrutability. Consider the historical context: Brookhaven was at the forefront of nuclear research. Editor: So, you’re saying the visual complexity reflects the complex politics of the era? Curator: Precisely. The photograph presents the laboratory not just as a space for scientific discovery, but as a site intertwined with geopolitical anxieties and aspirations. It prompts us to question the relationship between science and power. It’s a visual manifestation of scientific institutionalisation. Editor: That really changes how I see it, from just a photograph to something with deeper social relevance. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It is always a good idea to look beyond the surface appearance.