Untitled (people in costume at Beaux Arts Ball, couple with dragon mask) c. 1950

Editor: This photograph by Jack Gould, called "Untitled (people in costume at Beaux Arts Ball, couple with dragon mask)," is a small, square image full of interesting shapes and textures. What catches your eye? Curator: The formal arrangement is quite striking, wouldn't you agree? Note how the artist uses the geometry of the ceiling to frame the central figures. The contrast of patterns between the costumes creates an internal visual rhythm. Editor: It’s true, the way the patterns interact is really interesting. I hadn’t thought about the ceiling as part of the composition before. Curator: The composition creates a powerful sense of balance and the photograph's structure enables it to convey more than a candid shot. Editor: I’ve definitely learned to look beyond the subject matter itself and appreciate the formal elements at play. Curator: Indeed. Paying attention to the formal qualities allows us to perceive deeper meaning within a work.