Untitled (two portraits of a little girl) c. 1940

Editor: Here we have an untitled piece by John Deusing, featuring two portraits of a little girl in a photographic negative. The image is strikingly eerie. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It's fascinating how photographic negatives, like this one, served as both tools and potential artworks. The reversal of light and shadow invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture and its role in shaping public perception. Editor: So, it’s more than just a family snapshot? Curator: Precisely. Consider the context: photography was becoming increasingly accessible, democratizing image-making. However, who was being photographed, by whom, and for what purpose? These are critical questions to consider. What do you think? Editor: I never thought about it that way! It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images carry social weight. Curator: Exactly, and it shows how deeply ingrained photography is in creating and reflecting the social norms of the time.