Untitled (animals in zoo band; a monkey playing a large drum) c. 1950

Curator: This captivating image from the Harvard Art Museums, by Jack Gould, features a monkey in a zoo band, specifically playing a large drum. Editor: The stark contrast immediately grabs you, doesn’t it? The textures, from the monkey’s fur to the smooth drum surface, create an engaging visual experience. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the implications of labor and entertainment. The image raises questions about the monkey's role—the work performed, and the implied consumption. Editor: And the composition itself—the circular form of the drum against the backdrop, combined with the monkey's posture creates a dynamic yet contained energy. Curator: This image reminds us to consider the commodification of animals, the labor they perform, and the socio-economic structures that enable such displays. Editor: I agree and all of this is successfully conveyed using simple shades, composition and texture. Curator: Indeed, a potent reminder of the complex relationships at play in our world. Editor: Well, it’s certainly given me something to reflect on.