Untitled (portrait of a young child with blocks) 1944

Editor: This photograph by John Deusing shows a child playing with blocks. The contrast is striking. As a negative print, what does this medium say about the artist's intent? Curator: Think about the labor involved in creating this image, from sourcing the materials for the blocks themselves, to the child's dress. How do these objects reflect the social context of childhood and learning? Is Deusing commenting on the materials of youth and their inherent value? Editor: So, the image is not just about the child, but also about the materials that define childhood? Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to consider the cultural and economic significance embedded within even the simplest of playthings.