Untitled (locker room at country club) 1948

Robert Burian made this gelatin silver print of a locker room at a country club. The composition emphasizes the rows of identical lockers receding into the distance, drawing our attention to the uniformity and structure of the space. The image invites us to consider the social and cultural context of country clubs. These institutions in America have historically been associated with exclusivity, privilege, and social stratification. In the mid 20th century, when this picture was probably taken, many such clubs were important sites for the maintenance of social boundaries based on race, religion, and class. The artist offers a glimpse into these elite enclaves. To fully understand the significance of this photograph, further research into the history of country clubs and their role in shaping social identity might be needed. By studying such subjects, we start to see how the artist can be a social critic.