Untitled (female graduates planting tree) c. 1950

This photograph of female graduates planting a tree is held at the Harvard Art Museums. It is interesting how this photo negative captures a sense of growth and renewal. I'm drawn to the stark contrast between the graduates' gowns and the surrounding landscape. The way the light falls on their faces suggests a sense of hope and determination, while the delicate branches of the tree seem to reach upwards, symbolizing potential and possibility. I can almost feel the texture of the earth beneath their feet, grounding them in the present moment as they look towards the future. The inverted tones add a surreal quality to the image, reminding us that art can transform our perceptions and invite us to see the world in new ways. This piece reminds me of Bernd and Hilla Becher's photographs of industrial structures, in that it asks us to consider the relationship between humanity and the built environment. Both capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us, inviting us to contemplate our place within it.