Untitled (neon lights at night, sign for flowers) c. 1950

Curator: Jack Gould's photograph, simply titled "Untitled (neon lights at night, sign for flowers)," presents a vibrant, almost dreamlike scene. Editor: It feels so nostalgic, doesn't it? Like a memory half-formed, the glowing sign cutting through the darkness. Curator: The rose is a powerful symbol, of course—love, beauty, but also secrecy, especially given the night setting. Editor: Absolutely. There's a cinematic quality, like a still from a film noir. The neon pulses with a longing, promising something just out of reach. Curator: The contrast of the warm floral hues against the cool, linear blues is classic, creating a push and pull that’s really evocative. Editor: It's interesting how something so commercial, a simple flower shop sign, can feel so deeply personal and emotional, almost confessional. It really captures a mood. Curator: Indeed, it speaks to the way we imbue ordinary objects with our own desires and projections. Editor: It really does. I think I want to write a poem about it.