Untitled (woman lying on bed talking on telephone) 1953

Curator: This gelatin silver print, "Untitled (woman lying on bed talking on telephone)" by Lester Cole, presents a domestic interior. At roughly 4 x 5 inches, it captures a moment of intimate communication. Editor: The upside-down composition, with the woman's heels towards the viewer, creates an immediate sense of unease, a topsy-turvy world exposed through this intimate moment. Curator: Exactly, and that subversion might speak to the changing roles of women in society at the time. What’s compelling is the interplay between leisure and work, hinted at by the telephone and scattered documents. The materiality of these objects suggests a life both comfortable and complex. Editor: The presence of pictures on the wall also suggests a self-awareness and a performative aspect. The telephone becomes a conduit for constructing an identity, perhaps even a fantasy, within the confines of the domestic space. It’s as if the room itself is a stage set. Curator: Indeed, that staged aspect makes one consider Cole's artistic choices. The contrast between the sharp details of the shoes and the softer focus on the woman herself invites contemplation about the subject's socioeconomic status. Editor: It’s a rich tableau for such a small print, isn't it? The symbols are both personal and societal, inviting endless interpretations. Curator: An evocative piece, even without a specific date.