Untitled (portrait of a little girl holding flowers) c. 1940

Editor: Here we have an untitled photograph by John Deusing of a young girl with flowers. It's striking, almost ghostly, with the child staring directly at the viewer. What kind of statement do you think Deusing is making? Curator: It's essential to consider the historical context and the gaze of the child. Does it reflect societal expectations placed on young girls, particularly regarding purity and innocence, often symbolized by flowers? Is there an element of the male gaze at play, positioning her as an object for observation? Editor: I hadn’t considered the power dynamics. It's unsettling, now that you point it out. Curator: Exactly. And what about the lack of context? The title is "Untitled." What does that suggest about the artist's intentions or perhaps the oversight in archiving practices? Let's question how these images reinforce or challenge prevailing cultural norms. Editor: It makes me think about the responsibility we have when viewing art, to consider these underlying meanings. Thanks for your insights!