Space, Easter Possibly 1989 - 1994

Editor: This gelatin-silver print, “Space, Easter” by Jim Goldberg, was taken sometime between 1989 and 1994. There's an undeniable stillness, a sense of fragile peace. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful juxtaposition. Here’s a man, vulnerable and exposed, resting—presumably in his only space of safety— juxtaposed against the backdrop of a highway, a symbol of constant movement and the relentless pace of capitalist society. Consider the historical context: late 20th century America, amidst widening wealth inequality and a dismantling of social safety nets. Editor: It’s hard to miss the highway; its scale definitely makes an impact. Are you saying Goldberg deliberately framed this contrast? Curator: Absolutely. Goldberg’s work consistently engages with the margins of society, giving visibility to those often unseen or ignored. How does this image challenge our preconceptions about homelessness and dignity? Doesn’t the title, “Space, Easter,” also provoke deeper reflection? Editor: Easter suggests resurrection, hope, rebirth. To pair that with this image… it feels deliberately subversive. Curator: Precisely. He compels us to confront uncomfortable realities and question the systemic forces that create such disparities. Think about whose narratives are missing from mainstream representations and how Goldberg attempts to fill that void. Editor: That really shifts my perspective. I initially focused on the individual’s vulnerability, but now I’m seeing the larger socio-political critique. Curator: Exactly. It encourages us to move beyond simple empathy to a deeper understanding of social justice and collective responsibility. This image functions as an activist gesture by visualizing those ignored and forgotten by modern capital. Editor: I now have much to consider about this seemingly simple image!