Untitled (group portrait) 1918

Editor: This intriguing photographic negative, "Untitled (group portrait)" by Hamblin Studio, presents a stark image. The reversal of tones creates an almost ghostly effect. What can you tell me about the materiality and production of a piece like this? Curator: The photographic negative, itself a product of specific chemical processes and labor, becomes the artwork. The labor involved in creating the chemicals, operating the camera, and developing the image are all part of the work’s context. Editor: So it's not just about the people depicted? Curator: Not at all. The means of production—the studio, the equipment, the photographic process itself—are equally important in understanding the image and its place in society. It transforms our understanding of portraiture. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Curator: Considering the material and its making can unlock new perspectives!