Untitled (women making crafts, Christmas trees) c. 1950

Editor: This is an untitled photograph by Jack Gould, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It appears to show women crafting, maybe Christmas decorations. The negative tones give it an eerie, dreamlike quality. What social dynamics might be at play here? Curator: It's crucial to consider the potential racial and class implications. Who are these women? The hats and formal attire suggest a particular social stratum. Are they crafting for themselves, or for charitable purposes? The act of crafting, often associated with women's work, can be both empowering and confining depending on the context. Editor: I hadn't thought about the power dynamics within crafting itself. So, are you saying the photograph is less about the craft and more about the crafters? Curator: Precisely! It’s about examining the intersections of gender, class, and labour within a specific historical moment. Even what appears innocuous can reveal systemic inequalities. Editor: That’s a powerful way to reframe the narrative. Thanks!