Untitled (mule seen from the side) c. 1950

Curator: Jack Gould’s small, untitled photograph of a mule really strikes me. The reversal of tones is so evocative. Editor: It does give it a ghostly quality, doesn't it? Almost x-rayed, which resonates with the animal's historical exploitation. Mules, born of forced breeding, symbolize labor and endurance. Curator: Absolutely. Consider how the negative space defines the animal's form. The stark contrast highlights its musculature, imbuing it with a sense of power, despite its subjugated history. Editor: But does that power translate to freedom? The rope, though thin, is still there, a stark reminder of constraint. The image feels like a loaded question about autonomy. Curator: Perhaps it's a testament to resilience then. The image captures not just the animal's physical form, but a deeper symbolic weight of labor and survival. Editor: A somber reflection, offering a glimpse into complex histories. Curator: It leaves much to contemplate.