Untitled (man and girl sitting and talking outside stone building) 1953

Editor: This gelatin silver print, simply titled 'Untitled (man and girl sitting and talking outside stone building)' by Jack Gould, presents an intriguing study in contrasts. What strikes me is how the negative image highlights the geometric forms within the composition. How do you interpret this piece? Curator: The inversion certainly emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, almost abstracting the figures and architectural backdrop. Note how the rigid geometry of the building contrasts with the softer contours of the figures. The composition leads the eye up and across; what effect do you think this compositional choice achieves? Editor: Perhaps a sense of ongoing conversation? Curator: Precisely. And consider the textures—the smooth stone against the grain of the clothing. Gould manipulates the tonal range to enhance these contrasts. The negative image serves to make us focus on the formal aspects of the work. Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn’t considered the impact of the inverted tones in that way. Curator: Considering the manipulation of tonal range really allows us to dissect the photograph's formal qualities.