Mother and Daughter, Erlanger Hospital (Chattanooga, Tennessee) 1975

Curator: This photograph, "Mother and Daughter, Erlanger Hospital (Chattanooga, Tennessee)," is by Rosalind Solomon. Editor: It’s stark. The high contrast and close framing feel almost invasive, yet there's a tenderness in the mother's gaze. Curator: Solomon's work often explores complex social issues through portraiture. Her use of black and white film emphasizes texture and raw emotion, highlighting the social and economic realities of her subjects. This was taken in a hospital waiting room, suggesting vulnerability and anxiety. Editor: I agree. The hospital setting is critical; the institutional backdrop underscores the mother's evident exhaustion, the child's pallor. And look at the mother's patterned dress versus the child’s handmade garments. Curator: Absolutely, the photograph makes us consider the socio-economic circumstances that put them there. Solomon used photography as a tool to document and challenge societal norms, offering a glimpse into a world often overlooked. Editor: Ultimately, it's a powerful snapshot of care and resilience within a system that can often feel indifferent. It makes you consider the politics of healthcare.