Doris McKinney with her Two Sons, Republic Steel (Working People series) 1987

Editor: Here we have Milton Rogovin's black and white photograph, "Doris McKinney with her Two Sons, Republic Steel" from 1987, part of his Working People series. The subjects appear formally posed within a domestic space. What resonates most is the visible pride and resilience radiating from the subjects, especially from Doris herself. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The family’s gaze, directed at the viewer, becomes a powerful symbol of their lived experience and societal position. Note how Doris is seated, subtly elevated by the chair, a visual signifier of her role as the matriarch. Editor: Interesting. What do you make of the space? It’s so detailed. Curator: The seemingly ordinary domestic space, with its patterned wallpaper, houseplants, and what appears to be holiday decorations, hints at aspiration and resilience amidst economic hardship, providing a cultural counterpoint. Does the backdrop remind you of any similar imagery that you've seen? Editor: Perhaps family portraits? The setting is common for those. The backdrop domesticates the subject; family portraits can create powerful symbolism because the family unit symbolizes much in culture. Curator: Exactly. The artist transforms this setting and these people into archetypes, giving voice and visibility to working-class families, thereby elevating the universal struggles. It’s an exercise in visual cultural memory. Editor: It's amazing how a photograph can tell such a complex story, going beyond a simple portrait. Rogovin truly captured a poignant moment. Curator: Agreed, this photograph allows us to engage in the historical context of industrial America and prompts a profound reflection on identity, labor, and social class.