Untitled (mule seen from the side) c. 1950

Editor: This is Jack Gould's small, untitled silver gelatin print of a mule. The inverted tones give it such a ghostly presence. How do you interpret this work in its historical context? Curator: Well, consider photography's evolving role. Was Gould aiming for scientific documentation, or something more subjective? How does exhibiting this image, stripped of context, shift its public meaning? Editor: So, the image's meaning depends on how it's presented and who's viewing it? Curator: Precisely. Its power lies in its adaptability. The photograph transforms from documentation into art. Editor: That's a helpful perspective, thank you. Curator: My pleasure. It's fascinating how a simple image can reflect so much.