Listening 1937

Editor: This gelatin-silver print, "Listening," was taken in 1937 by Nathan Lerner. The image is filled with men in hats, all looking intently toward something out of frame. There's a somber mood, almost anxious. What stands out to you about this work? Curator: The photograph captures a collective moment during the late Depression era, I wonder what, or whom, were they listening to. Looking at their postures and the uniformity of their attire, I find myself questioning who has a voice and who is compelled to listen, in society then, and now. The sea of hats could also be a metaphor for masking individual identities, no? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but I see what you mean. They all seem to blend together despite the individual variations in hats and facial features. Is the act of “listening” here actually passive? Curator: Precisely! We might consider who controls the narrative and the potential power dynamics at play in demanding audiences. Does their listening represent informed consent, critical engagement, or perhaps enforced obedience? We need to ask if they want to be listening or whether their presence has been coerced by political, societal, or financial constraints. Editor: That's a really compelling interpretation. The title suddenly feels very loaded. Do you think Lerner was conscious of these power dynamics? Curator: Whether conscious or not, his photograph encapsulates this tension beautifully. His lens doesn’t simply record; it questions, invites critical thought, urging us to look beyond the surface. What have we, the viewers of the 21st century, been encouraged to turn a blind eye to while appearing to listen? Editor: That's definitely given me a lot to consider. Thank you for helping me see the image in a new light. Curator: My pleasure. Art should challenge and provoke us! Let's continue this dialogue beyond this gallery.