Untitled (fraternity and sorority competition winners with trophy) c. 1950

Editor: So, here we have an untitled photograph by Jack Gould of fraternity and sorority competition winners. It’s interesting to see the image as a negative; it really emphasizes the grain of the film. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: As a photographic negative, the image reveals its own making. It’s not just about the finished image, but the materiality of film itself and the labor involved in its production and processing. Consider the layers of industry, from Kodak's "safety film" to the darkroom practices involved in creating this artifact. Editor: That’s fascinating! It makes me think about who had access to these materials and processes. Curator: Precisely. And what social structures enabled this particular representation of collegiate life to be captured and circulated? Editor: I never thought about it that way. I’m seeing so much more than just a photo of a competition now. Curator: Exactly. It’s about unpacking the layers of production and consumption that contribute to its existence.