Hungarian Ball, New York City 1977

Editor: This is Larry Fink’s “Hungarian Ball, New York City” from 1977. It’s a black and white photograph. The two women in the foreground caught my eye; they look a little detached from the celebration that's implied by the title. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: The photograph itself, as a physical object, interests me. Think about the labor involved in its production – from Fink meticulously choosing his equipment and film to the darkroom processes used to develop the image and, finally, its potential circulation as a print or within a publication. Each step involves material and economic choices. Do you see how the stark contrast enhances this tension between opulence and everyday life, celebration and labor? Editor: I do see that. So you’re focusing on the actual making and distribution of the photo itself as part of its meaning? The black and white definitely adds to the class and labor implications of the image. Curator: Precisely! And consider the social context. Fink often photographed marginalized communities alongside the wealthy. Here, the Hungarian Ball becomes a stage upon which Fink can show material contrasts and differences in the world, how power and access are constructed and played out within those spaces. Editor: So the 'Ball' isn't just a subject, it’s more like a place to see interactions of labor, materials, wealth... almost a performance in itself? Curator: Exactly. Fink uses the photographic medium not just to document, but to actively engage with questions of material culture and the distribution of capital. It makes you wonder: who labored to make this event possible? What are the means by which some attend galas and others serve? Editor: This definitely changes how I see the photo. I was just focused on the surface – the elegant setting, the women’s expressions. I now see those are actually entry points to understanding much more. Thanks! Curator: The pleasure is all mine! Hopefully, you see how analyzing the means of production and material conditions brings you a lot closer to the world presented to us by Fink.