Untitled (child in triangular paper hat) c. 1945

Editor: Here we have an intriguing silver gelatin print, "Untitled (child in triangular paper hat)" by John Deusing. The reversed tones create an almost ghostly effect, and I'm curious about the significance of the homemade paper hat. What can you tell me? Curator: The image's strength lies in its materiality. A silver gelatin print inherently speaks to a specific moment in photographic history and its associated labor processes. The choice of this medium and the informal, almost playful, costuming suggests a commentary on class and leisure. Editor: Class and leisure, how so? Curator: The rough quality of the paper hat, its homemade nature, speaks to resourcefulness. The child’s participation implies a social event, a performance. Editor: So, it's not just a portrait, but a record of a social practice? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Precisely. Considering the materials and their context deepens our understanding. Editor: Thanks, I'll remember to think about the materials.