My annual haircut: Diego + me, #3 Feb 19, 1992 1992

Curator: This is Elsa Dorfman's "My annual haircut: Diego + me, #3 Feb 19, 1992," a Polaroid from her series of large-format portraits. It’s currently housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels very intimate, like a snapshot of a routine. The almost clinical white background contrasts oddly with the domestic scene. Curator: Precisely! Dorfman often used the Polaroid format to capture personal moments within a larger societal context. The haircut ritual is a recurring motif here. Editor: Note the apron. It's an important object. What do you make of the printed text, the words on the apron that seem to say "FAMILY LIVING CAN"? Curator: I see that the apron serves as a visual bridge between personal care and the cultural values associated with home and family. It’s not just a haircut; it's about care. Editor: The contrast between the modern equipment and the traditional subject matter is really intriguing. Curator: It highlights how even everyday acts are imbued with historical meaning and social connections. It’s also a testament to friendship. Editor: A powerful image, made all the more relatable by its simplicity.