Untitled (mother kneeling with slice of cake by little girl in chair and large birthday cake) c. 1955

This photograph by Paul Gittings captures a birthday moment with a mother and child. The image, made using photographic film, presents a fascinating glimpse into a specific time through its material properties. The inherent qualities of black and white film – its tonal range and capacity to capture light and shadow – shape our perception. The negative gives us an inverted view of this event. There's a strong social element to photography; it democratized portraiture. The act of capturing a birthday, especially in the mid-20th century, speaks to a culture increasingly focused on commemorating personal milestones. We can see in the image the display of baking as a symbol of domesticity. Think about the labor involved in producing such a cake, all carefully made by hand. The image raises questions about labor, the everyday, and the interplay between personal and cultural values. It challenges the viewer to think about how social rituals and everyday objects become imbued with meaning, ultimately blurring the line between fine art and the social fabric of life.