Untitled (man with monkey) c. 1960

Curator: Here we see John Howell's photographic print, "Untitled (man with monkey)," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's striking—a slightly surreal, noir-ish vibe. The stark contrast elevates the ordinary into something uncanny. Curator: Indeed. Howell’s work highlights the role of studio portraiture, where staging and artifice are very much part of the final product and subsequent meaning. Notice how the negative print emphasizes the performative elements of identity. Editor: It’s fascinating how the shared attire of man and monkey shifts our perception. Is it about power dynamics? Or is it simply a quirky fashion statement? It tickles the imagination. Curator: It’s hard to say definitively. However, understanding the social context of image production during Howell's time could elucidate the symbolism embedded in this print. Editor: It's an intriguing dance between the constructed image and the stories we project onto it. Something about the negative space begs further exploration.