Untitled (two men kneeling and tending to turkeys) c. 1950

Editor: This photograph by Harry Annas shows two men kneeling amongst a flock of turkeys. It has a stark, almost haunting quality to it. What historical context might inform our understanding of this image? Curator: The photograph provides an interesting look into the realities of agricultural labor, particularly concerning animal husbandry. How were these workers and animals represented, and what socio-economic narratives were crafted? Editor: So it's about understanding who controls the image and the implications for the people depicted? Curator: Precisely! This photographer's choices matter, as well as the institutions that display it, in shaping public perception of rural life. Editor: That’s a powerful perspective. I hadn't considered the role of institutions in shaping this narrative. Curator: Exactly. This image offers many layers to unpack about the politics of representation.