Untitled (two women sleeping on train seats) c. 1950

Editor: This is an intriguing silver gelatin print by Jack Gould, titled *Untitled (two women sleeping on train seats)*. The inverted tones create a stark, almost dreamlike quality. What compositional elements strike you most? Curator: The arrangement of figures and seats creates a compelling interplay of positive and negative space. The linear repetition of the seats contrasts with the curves of the figures, establishing a visual rhythm. The photographer uses light and shadow to flatten the composition, emphasizing surface and texture over depth. Editor: So, it's the interplay between the elements rather than the subject matter that defines the work? Curator: Precisely. Gould has constructed a visual equation, privileging the formal relationships over any narrative content. The tonal inversions further distance us from a literal reading. Editor: I see that now. The emphasis on form really changes how one engages with the image. Curator: Indeed. It underscores the power of pure visual arrangement.