Untitled (several police officers lined up and holding guns) c. 1950

Curator: This gelatin silver print by Jack Gould presents a line of police officers holding guns. The image dimensions are roughly 4 x 5 inches. The negative is striking. Editor: It’s quite chilling. The guns brandished, the uniformed figures... it speaks volumes about power, control, and perhaps the normalization of violence within certain structures. Curator: The photographic process itself is interesting here. We should consider the materials, the specific chemistry and technology used to create this image, and how that physicality contributes to its impact. Editor: Absolutely. And also, the lack of a definitive date invites us to consider the photograph’s enduring relevance. How do these images continue to resonate with contemporary social and political realities? Curator: Indeed. Considering the labor involved in both policing and photography brings a whole new layer of socio-economic understanding. Editor: Yes, and it’s important to unpack the historical context surrounding these images. Who are these officers? What communities do they serve or, perhaps, oppress? Curator: Precisely! These are the nuances in this photograph we must explore. Editor: This photograph leaves me with far more questions than answers, and that's precisely why it is so impactful. Curator: Understanding the relationship between the photographic materials and the subject allows us to see a more nuanced perspective of the image.