Untitled (people holding "Elect Stevenson" sign) c. 1950

Editor: This untitled photograph by Jack Gould shows a group of people holding an "Elect Stevenson" sign. It feels like a snapshot of a local campaign event. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful image reflecting mid-20th century political engagement, likely a local effort to support Adlai Stevenson’s presidential campaigns. The informal arrangement of the subjects suggests an authentic, grassroots movement. Editor: Grassroots, how so? Curator: The lack of professional polish and the diverse representation of individuals speaks to a community mobilized. The politics of imagery here is in its raw depiction of civic participation, before the age of hyper-produced campaign ads. Editor: I see what you mean, it's a really interesting look at how political messages were spread back then. Curator: Indeed, it also makes you think about who is seen and who is unseen in the narrative of political history.