Untitled (portrait of a man) c. 1940

Editor: Here we have an untitled portrait of a man by John Deusing. It is 17.78 x 12.7 cm. The high contrast gives it a stark, almost ghostly feel. What can you tell us about the social context that might have produced this kind of image? Curator: This high contrast negative image reminds me of the early experimentation in photography, when techniques were still being defined. How did portraiture democratize image-making and who had access? Editor: So, this photographic style could reflect the social and political landscape of its time? Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder about the subject, the artist, and who was controlling the narrative. Hopefully, we can find more information about it one day.