Untitled (cattle crossing river) c. 1975

Editor: This photograph by Ken Whitmire Associates shows cattle crossing a river. It evokes a sense of traditional rural life, almost timeless. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The river itself is potent, representing transition, boundaries, the flow of time. The cattle, moving as a herd, suggest community, but also perhaps a loss of individual identity within that group. Do you see the contrast between the dark mass of the cattle and the flowing, reflective water? Editor: Yes, the contrast is striking! The cattle are earthy and solid against the ethereal water. Curator: It's a powerful visual dichotomy. The river carries the cattle to an unknown future, echoing migrations and journeys. What does that movement symbolize to you? Editor: I think it could represent the constant search for new beginnings. I see now that the simple image carries much weight. Curator: Precisely. Everyday scenes are laden with symbols if we look closely, tapping into shared human experiences.