Untitled (man applying blush to woman's cheeks) c. 1960

Curator: This photograph by Jack Gould, titled *Untitled (man applying blush to woman's cheeks)*, presents a fascinating tableau. It looks like a candid moment backstage, doesn’t it? Editor: It does. The close-up shot, focusing on the application of makeup, feels intimate, almost voyeuristic. I'm struck by the contrast between the soft blush and the more rigid attire of the man applying it. Curator: Right, the materials here – the blush itself, the powder puff, the fabric of their clothing – speak volumes about the staged nature of beauty and the labor involved in its construction. Notice how the hand holding the blush contrasts in tone and apparent texture with the woman’s face? Editor: Indeed. This image makes me consider the historical context of beauty standards, and how these standards are both constructed and performed. How much power is assigned to the figure doing the application, and the figure being presented? Curator: Precisely. The artifice of cosmetics, displayed so openly, challenges the very notion of ‘natural’ beauty. It also brings up questions of consumption and the cosmetic industry itself. Editor: It is quite interesting. The image definitely makes you think about beauty and power. Curator: Absolutely. An unexpected photograph and one that prompts intriguing reflections. Editor: A worthwhile stop.