"Sweetness," St. Gabriel, Louisiana 14 - 2000

Editor: Deborah Luster's gelatin-silver print, "Sweetness, St. Gabriel, Louisiana," made in 2000, has a very antique feel. It's a striking portrait. I'm immediately drawn to her eyes and her slightly unsettling hair curlers! What symbols or meanings do you see in this piece? Curator: The apparent tension between the contemporary date of the work and the evocation of 19th century portraiture practices invites some thought. What memories are triggered by the tonal palette and subject matter? Are we supposed to consider the historical relationship between photographic portraiture and the documentation of social types and classes? Editor: That's interesting. The woman's pose feels very deliberate, almost staged, contrasting with the everyday object of the curlers in her hair. Curator: Exactly! Consider the title: "Sweetness." How does the artist imbue this photograph with that quality? Is it found in her gentle expression, the lace detailing of the white garment, or perhaps the intimacy of capturing a moment of preparation, before transformation? Notice the deep black background – it throws everything into relief, making us focus on the person before us. The very material—the gelatin-silver print—is itself laden with historical baggage of memory and documentation. Editor: I didn’t think about it like that. The background does feel like a void from which the woman emerges. Also, her hands seem to almost have a grip-like pose. Now I’m seeing more than just a simple portrait; I’m starting to recognize her strength, resilience, even pride. Curator: Yes! And that’s the power of symbols. They offer layered meanings and connections. The 'Sweetness' can also become something about survival, defiance, inner resolve. How fascinating that she may appear vulnerable, yet projects such poise. Editor: I now see the beauty of something quite different and more empowering. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Looking closely allows art to reveal more to us over time.