Untitled (mourners beside open casket) c. 1920

Editor: This photograph by Hamblin Studio shows mourners around an open casket. The stark contrast really emphasizes the solemnity of the scene. What stands out to you? Curator: Considering this image, I'm struck by its potential to speak to the historical representation of Black death and mourning. How does the photographer's perspective shape the narrative around grief and remembrance, especially given the historical context? Editor: That’s a point I hadn't considered. So, it challenges traditional representations? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to consider whose stories are told, and how, pushing against erasures of marginalized experiences. It underscores the importance of understanding the sociopolitical dimensions embedded within seemingly simple photographs. Editor: I see it now. It's not just a depiction, but a statement. Thanks!