Untitled (three women sitting on balustrade) c. 1950

Editor: This photograph, Untitled (three women sitting on balustrade) by Lucian and Mary Brown, is captivating. The reversed tones give it an ethereal, dreamlike quality. What symbols or deeper meanings do you see in this image? Curator: The balustrade itself is symbolic. Historically, it represents a boundary, a separation, but also a connection. The women are poised on this threshold. Do you think they are caught between worlds, or are they actively choosing their place? Editor: That’s a compelling thought! The ornate dresses, too, almost feel like a costume, adding another layer of artifice. Curator: Precisely! The clothing is a visual language of status and belonging, yet the negative image strips away some of its power, revealing vulnerability. I'm left wondering about their stories, their individual burdens and collective strength. Editor: I hadn't considered the reversed image as a commentary on vulnerability. Thank you!