Untitled (two men seen from behind looking at building) 1950

Curator: Here we have an untitled photograph by Jack Gould, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums, depicting two men observing a building. It’s a small image, roughly 5.7 x 5.7 cm. Editor: The high contrast and somewhat ghostly figures create an immediate sense of unease. There’s a real tension between the subjects and the imposing architecture. Curator: Indeed, the hats worn by the figures suggest a sense of collective identity, yet their averted gazes hint at a kind of dissociation from the scene, or perhaps a somber reverence. The architecture appears to be damaged or under construction. Editor: Yes, the image's formal arrangement and inverted tonality definitely adds a psychological layer, almost like a collective trauma or a shared memory of a place. The men are literally facing the past. Curator: Perhaps the figures symbolize the everyday observer, quietly bearing witness to moments of transition and transformation. The image becomes a testament to resilience. Editor: Ultimately, Gould has crafted a resonant piece. The contrasting textures, combined with the subjects’ quiet observation, create a memorable experience. Curator: It gives us a lot to think about.