Untitled (two boys ironing) 1964

Editor: This is an Untitled photograph, "two boys ironing", by Jack Gould. The domestic scene feels staged, somehow… What narrative or cultural commentary do you think Gould might be making? Curator: This image prompts us to think about the performance of domesticity, and the gendered expectations imposed even on young boys. Consider the historical context. Was this a common sight? Who usually did this job? Editor: It’s interesting to see boys taking on this traditionally female role, or being asked to. Is it subverting those norms, or reinforcing them through a novelty? Curator: Precisely! The seemingly simple act of ironing becomes a site of negotiation, reflecting broader societal shifts. What does it say about the roles we expect individuals to play? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it as a social commentary, I just saw two boys ironing. Thanks for the insight. Curator: And thank you for helping me see it with fresh eyes.