Untitled (young woman in graduation portrait) c. 1950

Editor: This is John Howell's "Untitled (young woman in graduation portrait)" from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a photographic negative, so it's all inverted. What symbols stand out to you in this image? Curator: The inverted image itself carries weight. Consider the symbolic significance of a graduation portrait, a rite of passage. Now invert it. Does it evoke a sense of unease or reveal a hidden truth beneath the surface? What emotions might that inversion spark? Editor: That’s a fascinating point about the inversion creating a sense of unease. I hadn't considered that. Curator: The inversion reminds us that symbols can be subverted to challenge societal norms or to provoke new interpretations. Seeing this image differently helps us understand how our perceptions are shaped. Editor: I agree, it is a good reminder to challenge our assumptions. Thank you!