Untitled (portrait of man sitting in chair) c. 1950

Curator: Here we have a silver gelatin print by Lucian and Mary Brown, titled "Untitled (portrait of man sitting in chair)." It's quite small, about 5 by 4 inches. Editor: It feels haunted somehow, like a memory fading or a dream just out of reach. It's giving me uncanny valley vibes. Curator: Given the medium, I'm intrigued by the labor involved. The darkroom process, the chemicals used, the transformation from light to image...it speaks to a specific time and place. Editor: I agree, that handcrafted feel is interesting. But for me, it’s the sitter’s expression, slightly mischievous and knowing. The bright suit against the dark background... it’s wonderfully unsettling. Almost as if he's about to reveal a secret. Curator: The way light is used in this work is truly unique and transformative. It gives us a look at the chemistry that is part of all our lives. Editor: Right? So, despite the ghostly quality, maybe it is about coming alive.