Untitled (girl in canoe, woman on dock) c. 1970

Curator: This is an untitled photograph by C. Bennette Moore, it's a small gelatin silver print, about 4 by 5 inches, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: My first impression is one of stillness. The composition, with the inverted tones, creates an almost dreamlike quality. Curator: The inverted tones certainly give it an otherworldly feel, but it was likely just a photographic negative. I find it intriguing how Moore captures everyday life. Editor: I am drawn to the representation of women. The girl in the canoe and the woman on the dock, side by side and in communion with nature, suggest a narrative of intergenerational learning and resilience. Curator: That’s a thoughtful perspective. I tend to see this piece as a visual document of recreation and leisure, reflective of a specific historical moment. Editor: Perhaps, but it also speaks to the politics of representation, highlighting the importance of seeing women centered in narratives of leisure and self-discovery. Curator: It’s amazing how a small photograph can hold so many potential readings. Editor: Absolutely. It prompts us to consider how art can reflect and shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.