Untitled (San Francisco) 1976

Editor: So, this is Bill Dane's "Untitled (San Francisco)" from an unknown date, a small black and white photograph. The stark contrast almost hides the statue at first glance. What do you make of this framing? Curator: The statue, likely placed in a public space, becomes a commentary on idealised forms versus the everyday. The photograph, as a readily available medium, democratizes access to art, challenging the elitism associated with classical sculpture. Editor: I hadn’t considered it that way – the accessibility of photography versus sculpture. Curator: Exactly. Dane uses photography to question the role of these iconic forms within a modern, accessible context. The "snapshot aesthetic" challenges traditional art historical hierarchies. What social implications does that suggest to you? Editor: It makes me consider what 'art' is, and who gets to decide. Thanks, that's a really helpful perspective.