Untitled 1987 - 1988

Curator: This arresting black and white photograph, simply titled "Untitled," was captured by Rosalind Solomon between 1987 and 1988. What strikes you immediately? Editor: It's intimacy, undoubtedly. A couple embraces, seated closely on a sofa. The wheelchair is immediately noticeable, disrupting the potential for an overly sentimental reading. It brings in a stark element of disability and dependency that is not traditionally visible. Curator: The realism is intense, almost documentary in its style. There’s a potent vulnerability that emanates from the couple's intertwined posture. Consider how the symbols of domesticity, like the window blinds, the houseplant and balloon are interwoven with complex themes of fragility, resilience and partnership. Editor: Yes, the quotidian domestic setting almost works against the immediate message regarding disability. It begs questions about the expectations of care, and perhaps subtly interrogates society’s uneasy relationship with portraying individuals in such positions, inviting us to consider disability not as a deviation but an intrinsic facet of human existence. How is normalcy constructed, and who gets to perform it? Curator: Absolutely. I'm particularly struck by the man’s expression. There's a gentle protectiveness, yes, but perhaps also a weight, a recognition of shared hardship etched on his face. It speaks to something profound about the iconography of love and devotion beyond typical depictions. It reminds me of how Christian iconography evolved to portray profound devotion that changed human existence, although the symbolism here is very modern. Editor: Agreed. Solomon refuses to shy away from the complicated nature of the subject. The lighting accentuates the textures—the weave of the sweaters, the metal of the wheelchair, contrasting sharply with the smoothness of their skin. This choice underscores a sense of authenticity. How can a photograph resist tropes and speak to the shared lived experiences for a vast number of underrepresented bodies? It's not just about visibility but dignified visibility, wouldn't you agree? Curator: A striking meditation on connection, responsibility, and the many faces of love in the modern age. It certainly compels me to re-evaluate the familiar stories and imagery. Editor: For me, this photograph isn’t just a picture; it is a deliberate commentary about accessibility, love and the hidden narratives woven into the fabric of daily existence. I will be looking for more stories about lives like this now.