Untitled (two women talking to police officer who takes notes) c. 1950

Curator: Here we have an Untitled photograph by Jack Gould, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts two women speaking to a police officer. Editor: My first impression is one of stark contrast. The image feels sterile, almost ghostly, with the inverted tones lending an air of unease. Curator: The high contrast certainly emphasizes the power dynamics at play. Notice the officer's position, slightly elevated, pen in hand, documenting the women’s testimony. It speaks to the socio-political forces at work. Editor: Absolutely. The women’s posture, the slight tension in their faces—there's a shared vulnerability, a plea for justice perhaps. White clothes can sometimes suggest purity, however this image is in negative, so we have to consider how this modifies the symbolism. Curator: The absence of contextual information, like the date or location, adds to its ambiguity. This forces us to grapple with the broader implications of law enforcement and citizen interaction, and what public role the art plays in that interaction. Editor: Ultimately, Gould's photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the human stories embedded within the larger structures of power and justice. Curator: Indeed, it challenges us to consider the narratives that are recorded and the narratives that are often overlooked.