Tower Falls, 115 Feet c. 1870

Editor: So here we have William Henry Jackson's "Tower Falls, 115 Feet." What strikes me is the stark contrast between the smooth, flowing water and the rough, textured rock formations. What can you tell me about this photograph? Curator: Notice how Jackson, employed by the US Geological Survey, isn’t just capturing a pretty picture. He's documenting resources, creating an image of the West to encourage investment and settlement. Consider the materiality of the print itself – albumen, made with egg whites – and how that connects to labor and extraction. Editor: So it's less about art and more about…resource management? Curator: It's both! The aesthetic appeal influences perception. This image shaped ideas about the American West, fueling expansion and resource exploitation. How does knowing that change how you view the waterfall itself? Editor: That’s fascinating, I didn’t think about the influence of the image itself. It completely changes my perspective!