Untitled (woman in dotted blouse holding baby) c. 1955

This photograph, by Paul Gittings, shows a woman in a dotted blouse holding a baby, and it’s all about layers. Gittings has manipulated the photographic process, layering images to create a sense of depth, and maybe even a little visual confusion. Look closely, and you’ll see a kind of web-like structure interwoven with the figures, it's as if the background is pressing forward, merging with the foreground. The effect is dreamlike, unsettling even, and I love the way Gittings embraces ambiguity. The use of black and white enhances the sense of timelessness, reminding me of other photographers like Minor White, who explored the mystical potential of the medium. Ultimately, this photograph isn’t just a depiction of a mother and child; it's an exploration of seeing itself. The way Gittings presents these figures it is a reminder that art is an ongoing dialogue, always open to new interpretations.