Untitled (man with elephant standing on tricycle) c. 1950

Editor: This small, undated photograph by Jack Gould, titled "Untitled (man with elephant standing on tricycle)," is quite striking. The negative space gives it an otherworldly feel. What’s your take on the cultural context of such an image? Curator: Well, consider the history of animal acts and circuses. This image likely reflects a period where such displays were considered entertainment. How does the power dynamic between the man and the elephant, staged in this way, speak to broader social control? Editor: That's a sobering thought. I hadn't considered the power dynamics so explicitly. Curator: Photography also played a role. It documents, but also frames and perhaps even perpetuates certain views. Thinking about the image this way, what does it tell us? Editor: I see now that it’s not just a quirky image, but a document reflecting complex historical attitudes. Thanks for pointing that out!