Untitled (people eating at luau) c. 1950

Editor: This photograph by Lucian and Mary Brown, titled *Untitled (people eating at luau)*, shows what seems like a festive gathering. It's a bit hard to see in negative, but everyone is wearing leis. What symbolic weight do you think the leis carry in this image? Curator: The leis immediately signify welcome, affection, and celebration. They are potent symbols, visually linking the scene to broader cultural ideas of Hawaiian hospitality and aloha. The very act of donning a lei carries a history of connection, performance, and respect. How do you see those themes playing out here? Editor: It does feel very performative! Like a staged scene for tourists maybe? I didn't think about the deeper implications until now. Curator: Precisely! Consider how the image participates in, or perhaps even perpetuates, certain cultural narratives. Editor: This makes me want to research the history of tourism in Hawaii. Thanks!