Stavrakis, Gus and Taso, and Lassie 1991

Editor: This is Elsa Dorfman’s “Stavrakis, Gus and Taso, and Lassie.” I’m intrigued by this staged portrait. The father's costume seems theatrical, almost circus-like. What's your take on this, considering the art's historical context? Curator: It's fascinating how Dorfman positions this image within a longer history of photographic portraiture, right? The theatricality might speak to broader social roles men play, particularly in relation to family. Do you think the performative aspect alters our perception of familial intimacy here? Editor: I hadn't considered the performative aspect so directly, but I see what you mean! Maybe it is about social roles after all! Curator: Perhaps! And thinking about how this image circulates in a museum setting, how does that institutional framing shape our understanding of this family? Editor: Wow, I’m thinking about family photos differently now! Curator: Me too! It is interesting to think about the role of photography as a historical record.