Untitled (class photo, Landon School for Boys) 1938

Editor: This photograph, "Untitled (class photo, Landon School for Boys)" by Harris & Ewing, shows a group of young men in suits. The negative effect gives it an unsettling, almost ghostly quality. What can you tell me about the context of this image? Curator: The image speaks volumes about power, privilege, and exclusion. Consider the historical context: what did it mean to be a young man at Landon School? What were the expectations, the possibilities, the limitations shaped by their class, race, and gender at that time? Editor: So, it's not just a picture of a class, but a reflection of a specific social structure? Curator: Precisely. We must examine the power dynamics at play. Who is included, and more importantly, who is excluded from this representation of success and belonging? What narratives are being reinforced, and whose stories are being silenced? Editor: That really changes how I see it. It's more than just a photo; it's a statement. Curator: Absolutely. And by critically engaging with these historical images, we can better understand the ongoing impact of these power structures today.