Untitled (Illusion of boy holding two boys in hands) 1956

This photograph, taken in July '56, toys with our sense of perception, making you question what is really there. The way the figures are arranged messes with scale and depth, as if the foremost boy is holding the others in his palms. I love the greyscale palette and the grainy texture, it reminds me of the material quality of a pencil drawing. The anonymous photographer here treats the camera as a tool for playful exploration, embracing the way it can bend reality. Look at the expression on the boy's face, he’s completely deadpan, adding to the absurdity. In some ways, this image is like a proto-Cindy Sherman, who also played with constructed identities and challenged our perceptions. It reminds us that art is a constant conversation, echoing and transforming ideas across time. Ultimately, the meaning of this photo is open to interpretation, but that's what makes it so engaging.