Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin 1961

Curator: Don McCullin’s photo, “Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin”, captures a potent moment in Cold War history. The square format focuses our attention directly onto the street tableau. Editor: It's stark, almost brutal. The heavy textures of the architecture and military vehicles create a claustrophobic feel, yet also it's incredibly raw and compelling. Curator: McCullin’s work often highlights the social impact of conflict, and this image does just that. The US Army presence juxtaposed with the everyday life creates a visual tension, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely. The means of control are blatant. The very materiality of the Jeep and the tank become symbols of power, dominating the physical and social space. You notice the signs above the stores are in German but the language on the military vehicles is English. The labor of the military presence is stark. Curator: Indeed. The photo becomes a historical document of occupation and division, showcasing the socio-political landscape of Berlin at the time. It definitely leaves an impact, prompting reflection on the human cost of geopolitical struggles. Editor: I concur. It's a powerful reminder how material objects and photographic processes can expose the social dynamics underneath political tensions.