Untitled (drivers drag-racing in tiny cars) 1960

Editor: This photograph by Jack Gould, currently titled "Untitled (drivers drag-racing in tiny cars)," shows a go-kart race. It feels very immediate and captures a specific moment. What stands out to you? Curator: I see the traces of production, the analog film’s grain, the borders with the word "Kodak" printed along the edge. These elements root the image in a specific time and place of material culture. How does this process influence your interpretation? Editor: It makes me think about accessibility to the medium. Was photography like this only available to certain people? Curator: Precisely. The consumption of photography, the labor involved in its creation, and its reflection of leisure activities all point to broader social structures. It provides a glimpse into a specific culture and raises questions about who could participate in this activity. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Now I understand why paying attention to the material matters!